Systems and methods for determining electric pulses to provide to an unattended machine based on remotely-configured options

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for determining electric pulses to provide to an unattended machine based on remotely-configured options. An example method includes: detecting presence of the unattended machine in proximity to the mobile device. After detecting the presence, the method includes: receiving, from a server, information about a first set of remotely-configured options. In response to receiving the information about the first set of remotely-configured options, the method includes: displaying user interface objects that allow for selection of respective options in the first set of remotely-configured options. After detecting a selection of a first user interface object, receiving, from the server, specifications regarding electric pulses to be provided to the unattended machine by a pulse-providing device. After sending an authorization grant and the specifications to the pulse-providing device, the method includes: receiving an indication that the electric pulses were provided to the unattended machine according to the specifications.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/296,543, filed Feb. 17, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. This application is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/458,192,filed Aug. 12, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/456,683, filed Aug. 11, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,256,873, issued Feb. 9, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/335,762, filed Jul. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,547,859, issued Jan. 17, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/214,644, filed Mar. 14, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.8,856,045, issued Oct. 7, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/917,936, filed Dec. 18, 2013. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/214,644, filed Mar. 14, 2014 is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/477,025,filed Dec. 18, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. D755,183, issued May 3, 2016. Thepresent application is based on and claims priority from theseapplications, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to the field of providing electricpulses at unattended machines, and in particular, to determiningelectric pulses to provide to an unattended machine based onremotely-configured options.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electric pulse-based credit machines are one type of “payment acceptingunit” or “unattended machine” (unattended machines or payment acceptingunits are also referred to herein generically as “machines”). Anunattended machine is equipment that requires payment for the dispensingof products (e.g., items stocked by a vending machine) and/or services(e.g., video game plays).

A consumer using an electric pulse-based credit machine such as a videogame, kiddie ride, or coin-op laundry is restricted to a predefineddefault amount per payment increment as established by the machine(i.e., a direct mapping of coins that are inserted to credits validatedby the machine). For example, if one credit allowed the user to play onegame, the user would need to send 3 credits (i.e., insert 3 coins intothe machine) if they wished to play three games.

Because the pricing options are predefined and physically programmedinto the machine, machine operators are unable to offer up-frontdiscounts, time-based discounts, or other options that allow the machineoperators to flexibly control available pricing options. In addition,users are unable to take advantage of promotions and have to keepinserting coins into the unattended machines according to existingoptions.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are systems and methods that address the abovedeficiencies. In particular, disclosed herein are systems and methodsfor determining electric pulses to provide to an unattended machinebased on remotely configured options. For example, a machine operator isable to access a web-based interface in order to add or modify pricingoptions for a particular unattended machine. When a user later receivesan authorization grant for the particular unattended machine, that useris able to take advantage of the new or modified pricing options. Inthis way, machine operators can establish pricing schedules and userscan take advantage of unique promotions offered by the machineoperators. Additionally, users need not constantly add individual coinsin order to access services provided by an unattended machine, insteadthe users can simply and easily take advantage of the unique promotionsvia an application that is executing on their own mobile phone (thusavoiding inefficiencies, such as lost coins, jammed coins, brokencoin-accepting interfaces, and other like difficulties often encounteredat unattended machines).

In addition to vending machines, other unattended machines include:parking meters, toll booths, laundromat washers and dryers, a videogaming console (i.e., a coin-operated arcade game), a coin-operated pooltable, a coin-operated dart machine, a coin-operation vacuum or air pump(such as those commonly found at gas stations), or other offline-paymentoperated machines that dispense goods (e.g., products stocked by avending machine) and/or provide services (e.g., allow a user to use theservices, such as playing a video game, using the washer or dryer, etc.)

(A1) In one aspect, a method of determining electric pulses to provideto an unattended machine based on remotely-configured options for theunattended machine is provided. The method is performed at anapplication executing on a mobile device. The method includes:detecting, based on a broadcast received from a pulse-providing devicethat is coupled with the unattended machine, presence of the unattendedmachine in proximity to the mobile device. After detecting the presenceof the unattended machine, the method includes: receiving, from a server(in some instances, the server is not capable of communicating directlywith the unattended machine, because the unattended machine does nothave a network connection), information about a first set ofremotely-configured options for interacting with the unattended machine.In response to receiving the information about the first set ofremotely-configured options, the method includes: displaying, in theapplication, user interface objects that allow for selection ofrespective options in the first set of remotely-configured options. Themethod further includes: detecting a selection of a first user interfaceobject that corresponds to a first option in the first set ofremotely-configured options. After (or in response to) detecting theselection of the first user interface object, the method includes:receiving, from the server, information that includes an authorizationgrant for the first option at the unattended machine, the informationincluding specifications regarding electric pulses to be provided to theunattended machine by the pulse-providing device in accordance with thefirst option. In accordance with a determination that a triggercondition has been satisfied, the method includes: sending theinformation that includes the authorization grant and the specificationsto the pulse-providing device. After sending the authorization grant andthe pulse information to the pulse-providing device, receiving anindication, from the pulse-providing device, that the electric pulseswere provided to the unattended machine according to the specifications.

(A2) In accordance with some implementations of the method of A1, theremotely-configured options are pricing options.

(A3) In accordance with some implementations of the method of any one ofA1-A2, the remotely-configured options are pricing options that aredetermined according to a predefined pricing schedule.

(A4) In accordance with some implementations of the method of A3, thepredefined pricing schedule is determined based on a current time of dayat the server.

(A5) In accordance with some implementations of the method of any one ofA1-A4, the remotely-configured options are configured by an operator ofthe unattended machine without requiring any physical interactions withthe unattended machine.

(A6) In accordance with some implementations of the method of any one ofA1-A5, the method further includes: receiving a second indication fromthe server that the remotely-configured options are no longer current;and in response to receiving the indication from the server, receivingan updated set of remotely-configured pricing options that is distinctfrom the first set of remotely-configured pricing options.

(A7) In some implementations, a mobile device is also provided. Themobile device includes one or more processors and memory storing one ormore programs to be executed by the one or more processors, the one ormore programs including instructions for performing the method of anyone of A1-A6.

(A8) In some implementations, a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium is also provided. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium stores one or more programs, the one or more programs includinginstructions, which, when executed by a mobile device with one or moreprocessors, cause the mobile device to perform the method of any one ofA1-A6.

(A9) In some implementations an additional method is provided. Theadditional method is for determining electric pulses to provide to anunattended machine based on remotely-configured options for theunattended machine, and the method is performed at a pulse-providingdevice that is coupled with the unattended machine. The method includes:receiving, from an application executing on a mobile device, anauthorization grant that includes specifications regarding electricpulses to be provided to the unattended machine by the pulse-providingdevice in accordance with a pricing option selected by a user at theapplication executing on the mobile device, wherein the pricing optionis specific to the unattended machine. In response to receiving theauthorization grant, the method includes: determining whether theauthorization grant is valid. In accordance with a determination thatthe authorization grant is valid, the method includes: providingelectric pulses to the unattended machine according to thespecifications. After providing the electric pulses to the unattendedmachine, the method includes: sending, to the application executing onthe mobile device, an indication that the electric pulses were providedto the unattended machine according to the specifications.

(A10) In some implementations of the method of A9, the pricing option isnot available to users that interact with the unattended machine viamechanical insertion of coins.

(A11) In some implementations, a pulse-providing device is provided. Thepulse-providing device includes: one or more processors and memorystoring one or more programs to be executed by the one or moreprocessors, the one or more programs including instructions forperforming the method of any one of A9-A10.

(A12) In some implementations, a non-transitory computer readablestorage medium is provided. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium stores one or more programs, the one or more programs includinginstructions, which, when executed by a pulse-providing device with oneor more processors, cause the pulse-providing device to perform themethod of any one of A9-A10.

(A13) Some implementations also provide for a system for determiningelectric pulses to provide to an unattended machine based onremotely-configured options for the unattended machine. The systemincludes: a pulse-providing device that is coupled with the unattendedmachine, wherein the pulse-providing device is configured to: performoperations described in the method of any one of A9-A10; an applicationthat is executing on a mobile device, wherein the application isconfigured to: perform operations described in the method of any one ofA1-A6; and a server that is in communication with the application thatis executing on the mobile device, wherein the server is configured to:perform operations including retrieving specifications for electricpulses that are associated with selected pricing options and sendingthose retrieve specifications to the mobile device.

In another aspect, a method of presenting representations of paymentaccepting unit events is performed at a device (e.g., the mobile device150, FIGS. 5 and 21) with one or more processors, memory, one or moreoutput devices, and two or more communication capabilities. Aftersending a request to a payment module (e.g., the adapter module 100,FIGS. 5 and 20), via a first communication capability (e.g., ashort-range communication technology/protocol such as BLE), to initiatea transaction with a payment accepting unit (e.g., the payment acceptingunit 120, FIGS. 5 and 19) (sometimes also herein called “machine 120”)associated with the payment module, the method includes obtaining anotification from the payment module via the first communicationcapability, where the notification indicates an event at the paymentaccepting unit associated with the payment module. In response toobtaining the notification, the method includes providing arepresentation of the notification to a user of the mobile device viathe one or more output devices of the mobile device (e.g., a messagedisplayed on a display of the mobile device, a vibration produced by avibration mechanism of the mobile device, an aural alert produced by aspeaker of the mobile device, and/or the like).

In one more aspect, a method of retrofitting an offline-payment operatedmachine to accept electronic payments is performed at a payment module(e.g., the adapter module 100, FIGS. 5 and 20) with one or moreprocessors, memory, a short-range communication capability (e.g., ashort-range communication technology/protocol such as BLE), and a firstinterface module configured to couple the payment module with a controlunit of an offline-payment operated machine (e.g., the payment acceptingunit 120, FIGS. 5 and 19) (sometimes also herein called “machine 120”).The method includes receiving a transaction request via the short-rangecommunication capability from a respective mobile device to perform atransaction with the offline-payment operated machine. The methodincludes validating the transaction request, where validation of thetransaction request indicates that the respective mobile device isauthorized to initiate payment for the transaction by a remote server(e.g., the server 130, FIGS. 5 and 22) via the long-range communicationcapability (e.g., the long-range communication technology/protocol suchas GSM, CDMA, or Wi-Fi). In accordance with a determination that thetransaction request is valid, the method includes causing theoffline-payment operated machine to perform the requested transaction byissuing a signal to perform the transaction to the control unit of theoffline-payment operated machine via the first interface module.

In a further aspect, a device (e.g., the machine 120, (FIGS. 5 and 19),the adapter module 100 (FIGS. 5 and 20), the mobile device 150 (FIGS. 5and 21), the server 130 (FIGS. 5 and 22), or a combination thereof)includes one or more processors and memory storing one or more programsfor execution by the one or more processors, the one or more programsinclude instructions for performing, or controlling performance of, theoperations of any of the methods described herein. In someimplementations, a non-transitory computer readable storage mediumstoring one or more programs, the one or more programs comprisinginstructions, which, when executed by a device (e.g., the machine 120,(FIGS. 5 and 19), the adapter module 100 (FIGS. 5 and 20), the mobiledevice 150 (FIGS. 5 and 21), the server 130 (FIGS. 5 and 22), or acombination thereof) with one or more processors, cause the computersystem to perform, or control performance of, the operations of any ofthe methods described herein. In some implementations, a device (e.g.,the machine 120, (FIGS. 5 and 19), the adapter module 100 (FIGS. 5 and20), the mobile device 150 (FIGS. 5 and 21), the server 130 (FIGS. 5 and22), or a combination thereof) includes means for performing, orcontrolling performance of, the operations of any of the methodsdescribed herein.

The subject matter described herein is particularly pointed out anddistinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification.Objectives, features, combinations, and advantages described and impliedherein will be more readily understood upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that shows three zones: a “communicationzone” (e.g., Bluetooth range), an “authorization zone,” and a “paymentzone” in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that shows the three zones of FIG. 1 withmultiple users therein in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 3 is a table that illustrates the hands-free credit or alert userprinciple in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the logging received signal strengthindicator (RSSI) information in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 5 is a block schematic that shows elements of the paymentprocessing system including, but not limited to, the adapter module, themachine, the mobile device, and servers, as well as communicationstherebetween in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 6 is a block schematic that shows three areas of encryption used(each is bi-directional) between the adapter module, the machine, themobile device, and/or servers in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that shows communications, messaging, vendingsequence, and purchase flow between the adapter module, the mobiledevice, and a system management server in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 8A is a schematic process flow diagram that shows additionalelements and features of the payment processing system (e.g.,communications, messaging, vending sequence, and purchase flow) when theuser enters the “communication zone” (e.g., Bluetooth range) inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 8B is a schematic process flow diagram that shows additionalelements and features of the payment processing system (e.g.,communications, messaging, vending sequence, and purchase flow) when theuser enters the “authorization zone” in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 8C is a schematic process flow diagram that shows additionalelements and features of the payment processing system (e.g.,communications, messaging, vending sequence, and purchase flow) when theuser enters the “payment zone” and, in particular, detailing ahands-free mode embodiment and a swipe mode embodiment in accordancewith some implementations.

FIG. 8D is a schematic process flow diagram that shows additionalelements and features of the payment processing system (e.g.,communications, messaging, vending sequence, and purchase flow) in avending transaction including a loop for multiple transactions inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 8E is a schematic process flow diagram that shows additionalelements and features of the payment processing system (e.g.,communications, messaging, vending sequence, and purchase flow) in thelogin mode in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 8F is a schematic process flow diagram that shows additionalelements and features of the payment processing system (e.g.,communications, messaging, vending sequence, and purchase flow) duringboot-up of the adapter module in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 8G is a schematic process flow diagram that shows additionalelements and features of the payment processing system (e.g.,communications, messaging, vending sequence, and purchase flow) duringan account check/update process in accordance with some implementations.

FIGS. 9A-9E are flow charts that show example steps and features of thepayment processing system (e.g., communications, messaging, vendingsequence, and purchase flow) in accordance with some implementations.

FIGS. 10A-10D show a mobile device with a graphical representation of amobile application shown thereon, the mobile application being used aspart of the mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the in-line dongle adapter module inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of the in-line dongle adapter module ofFIG. 11 in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 13 is a back plan view of the in-line dongle adapter module of FIG.11 in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the in-line dongle adapter module of FIG. 11in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 15 is a first end view of a connector receptacle of the in-linedongle adapter module of FIG. 11 in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 16 is a second end view of a connector receptacle of the in-linedongle adapter module of FIG. 11 in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view taken from the first end of the in-linedongle adapter module of FIG. 11, the connectors and cables betweenwhich the in-line dongle adapter module is inserted being shown inbroken lines for illustrative purposes in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view taken from the second end of the in-linedongle adapter module of FIG. 11, the connectors and cables betweenwhich the in-line dongle adapter module is inserted being shown inbroken lines for illustrative purposes in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the in-line dongle adapter module ofFIG. 11 within a vending machine in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an adapter module in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a mobile device in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a server in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 23 is a schematic flow diagram of a process for authenticating auser to perform a transaction in the payment processing system inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 24A is a block diagram of a packet of information broadcast by thepayment module (sometimes also herein called the “adapter module”) inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 24B is a block diagram of an authorization request in accordancewith some implementations.

FIG. 24C is a block diagram of an authorization grant token inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 24D is a block diagram of transaction information generated by thepayment module in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 25A illustrates a schematic flow diagram of a process for providinga representation of a machine event at a mobile device in accordancewith some implementations

FIG. 25B is a schematic flow diagram of a process for processingacknowledgment information in the payment processing system inaccordance with some implementations.

FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate example user interfaces for providing arepresentation of a machine event at a mobile device in accordance withsome implementations.

FIGS. 27A-27B illustrate a flowchart diagram of a method of presentingrepresentations of payment accepting unit events in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 28A illustrates a block diagram of an offline-payment operatedmachine in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 28B illustrates signals sampled by the payment module in accordancewith some implementations.

FIGS. 29A-29B illustrate a flowchart diagram of a method 1600 ofretrofitting an offline-payment operated machine to accept electronicpayments in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 30 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of enabling apayment operated machine to accept electronic payments in accordancewith some implementations.

FIG. 31 is a schematic flow diagram of a process for determiningelectric pulses to provide to an unattended machine based on remotelyconfigured options for the unattended machine, in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 32 illustrates an example of a user interface on a mobile devicethat is used for selecting one of the remotely configured options forthe unattended machine, in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of a method of determining electric pulses toprovide to an unattended machine based on remotely configured optionsfor the unattended machine, in accordance with some implementations.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a payment processing system or, more specifically, amobile-device-to-machine payment processing system for processingtransactions over a non-persistent network connection. Themobile-device-to-machine payment processing system disclosed hereinfocuses on the unattended retail space (e.g., a payment accepting unit120, sometimes also herein called a “machine 120”). More specifically,the mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system disclosed hereinallows a user (having a mobile device 150 with a mobile application 140thereon) to make a cashless purchase from a payment accepting unit 120(having an adapter module 100 associated therewith).

The mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system described hereincan be implemented with one or more of the following features: easyinstallation feature, a non-persistent network connection feature; amanual (swipe to pay) mode feature; a hands-free mode feature; and amultiple vending transactions (multi-vend) feature.

Easy Installation: Installation is very easy, requires no tools,requires no configuration, and takes as little as 30 seconds. This isaccomplished by using an adapter module 100 (sometimes also hereincalled “payment module 100”) such as an in-line dongle (a hardwaredevice with software thereon) design for in-line insertion within amulti-drop bus (MDB) of a payment accepting unit 120 (e.g., a vendingmachine) (sometimes also herein called “the machine 120”). Installationis as simple as “powering down” (turning off) the machine 120,identifying the “wire” that connects with a payment receiving mechanism(e.g., the coin mechanism), disconnecting the wire (so that there aretwo loose ends, such as a male connection end or adapter of an MDB and afemale connection end or adapter of an MDB), plugging (inserting) theadapter module 100 in serial (“in-line”) with the wire (e.g., connectingthe MDB female adapter to a male adapter of the adapter module 100 andconnecting the MDB male adapter to a female adapter of the adaptermodule 100), tucking the wire and the installed adapter module 100 backinto position, and “powering up” (turning on) the machine 120. Mostvending machines made since 1995 have this industry standard MDBtechnology that would allow this easy 30-second installation. Onmachines without MDB technology, the adapter module 100 can beconfigured or designed to work with other serial protocols or activate aswitch. In essence the adapter module 100 simulates establishing paymenton payment accepting unit 120 in much the same manner as otheralternative forms of payment (e.g., cash).

Non-persistent Network Connection: Although payment accepting units (or“machines”) that accept only cash (e.g., paper currency and coins) maynot require a connection (persistent or non-persistent) to a network,traditional payment accepting units that accept cashless payments (e.g.,credit cards, debit cards, and alternative mobile device payment methodsusing, for example, smart phones) require a persistent connection to anetwork (wired or wireless) to facilitate the cashless payments. Inother words, without a persistent (ongoing or accessible on demand)network connection, traditional payment accepting units cannot acceptcashless payments. Most traditional payment accepting units that acceptcashless payments include the technology to accomplish this persistentnetwork connection that allows them to connect to a remote server. Ifthe network connection to a traditional machine is temporarilyinterrupted, cashless payments will be temporarily unavailable. If themachine is located in a location where no network connection isavailable, cashless payments is not possible. In addition to using amobile device 150 as an intermediary between the payment accepting units120 and the server 130, the mobile-device-to-machine payment processingsystem described herein minimizes (i.e., the manual mode) or eliminates(i.e., the hands-free mode) user interaction with the mobile device 150.Further, in some implementations, the mobile-device-to-machine paymentprocessing system described herein facilitates the acceptance ofcashless payments without requiring any network connection near thepayment accepting unit 120. In some implementations, when themobile-device-to-machine payment processing system described herein islocated in a remote location where network connection is unavailable,the mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system, therefore, canstill accept cashless payments.

Manual (Swipe-to-Pay) Mode: Using a “swipe-to-pay” feature (or just“swipe”) refers to a user's action implemented on his/her mobile device150 where he/she quickly brushes his/her finger (or other pre-determinedinteraction) on the mobile device's touch screen 152 (FIGS. 10A-10D) orother input devices associated with the mobile device 150. From theuser's perspective, when the user is within range, a pre-installedmobile application 140 automatically connects to the payment acceptingunit 120 (e.g., a vending machine). The mobile application 140 mightdisplay (on the touch screen 152) a prepaid balance that the user“swipes” to transfer payment to the payment accepting unit 120. The usercould observe the transferred funds on the touch screen 152 of themobile device 150 and/or on the display 122, 124 (FIG. 19) of thepayment accepting unit 120. The transaction is completed just as if cashwas inserted in the machine 120 with the user inputting his selection onthe payment accepting unit 120 and the payment accepting unit 120dispensing the product or service. After the selection is made, thechange is returned to the mobile device 150 and this may be shown on thetouch screen 152 of the mobile device 150.

Hands-Free Mode: A “hands-free pay” feature (or just “hands-free”) wouldmost likely be used with “favorite” payment accepting units 120 (e.g., afrequently used vending machine at a user's work or school). From theuser's perspective, he/she would approach the favorite payment acceptingunit 120 and notice that the display 122, 124 (FIG. 19) of the paymentaccepting unit 120 shows funds available, he/she would select theproduct or service using the payment accepting unit's input mechanisms(e.g., buttons 126 or a touch screen display 124 shown in FIG. 19), andhe/she would retrieve dispensed services or products. It would be thatsimple. More specifically, when the user is within range, apre-installed mobile application 140 automatically connects to thepayment accepting unit 120 (e.g., a vending machine). The user may leavethe mobile device 150 in a pocket, purse, briefcase, backpack, or othercarrier. As the user approaches the payment accepting unit 120 and is inapproximately “arm's-length” distance (e.g., 3 to 5 feet) of the paymentaccepting unit 120, the user could observe the transferred funds on thedisplay 122, 124 (FIG. 19) of the payment accepting unit 120. Thetransaction is completed just as if cash was inserted into the paymentaccepting unit 120 with the user inputting his/her selection on thepayment accepting unit 120 and the payment accepting unit 120 dispensingthe product or service. After the selection is made, the change isreturned to the mobile device 150. FIG. 3 details when the hands-freemode would be available.

Multiple Vending Transactions (Multi-Vend): Both the manual andhands-free modes could be used multiple times in sequence (implemented,for example, as a loop) so that a user may make multiple purchases.After making his/her first selection and receiving his product (orservice), the user would observe that additional funds were available onthe display 122, 124 (FIG. 19) on the payment accepting unit 120. He/shecould make another selection (or multiple selections) and receiveadditional product(s) (or service(s)). More specifically, the display122, 124 (FIG. 19) may reset as if the transaction is complete, butthen, because the user is still standing in range, the mobileapplication 140 would send another credit to the payment accepting unit120, allowing for a second purchase. When the user walks away, thesystem clears (e.g., returns unused funds to the application 140 on themobile device 150).

The features described above, alone or in combination with otherfeatures described herein will revolutionize the hundred billion dollarautomated retail industry. The hardware is very low cost and there areno reoccurring fees because no cellular connection is required on themachine 120. Using the mobile-device-to-machine payment processingsystem described herein, operators of machines 120 can increasefrequency of visits by purchasers and items sold with each visit.

The mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system described hereinmay be implemented as an apparatus, system, and/or method for enablingpayments to a machine 120 via a mobile device 150. Themobile-device-to-machine payment processing system may be betterunderstood with reference to the drawings, but the shownmobile-device-to-machine payment processing system is not intended to beof a limiting nature.

DEFINITIONS

Before describing the mobile-device-to-machine payment processing systemand the figures, some of the terminology should be clarified. Pleasenote that the terms and phrases may have additional definitions and/orexamples throughout the specification. Where otherwise not specificallydefined, words, phrases, and acronyms are given their ordinary meaningin the art. The following paragraphs provide some of the definitions forterms and phrases used herein.

Adapter Module 100: As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adapter module 100(sometimes also herein called the “payment module 100”) is a physicaldevice that is installed in a machine 120 (a payment accepting unit120). The shown adapter module 100 is an in-line dongle (a hardwaredevice with software thereon) device that may be inserted in-line withina multi-drop bus (MDB) of a machine 120. The adapter module 100 bridgesthe communication between the machine 120 and a mobile device 150.Although described as a unique component, it should be noted that theadapter module 100 could be implemented as a plurality of devices orintegrated into other devices (e.g., components of a machine 120). Inits unique component form, the adapter module 100 can be easily insertedinto a machine 120 so that the machine 120 is able to perform newfeatures with the assistance of the adapter module 100. FIG. 20 showscomponents associated with the adapter module 100. As shown in FIG. 20,the communications unit 770 of the adapter module 100 includesshort-range communication capability 776 (e.g., Bluetooth mechanisms).The shown example may be divided into multiple distinct components thatare associated with each other or the example may be incorporated intoor drawn from other technology (e.g., a computer or a payment acceptingunit) as long as the components are associated with each other.

Mobile Device 150 and Application 140 (also referred to as a “mobileapplication,” “mobile app,” or “app”): In general, a mobile device 150may be a user's personal mobile device 150. The mobile device 150 (witha mobile application 140 thereon) acts as a communication bridge betweenthe adapter module 100 (associated with a payment accepting unit 120)and the server 130. The mobile device 150 and the application 140,however, are not “trusted” in that the communications (transmissions) itpasses are encrypted. Encrypted (secured) communications areundecipherable (unencryptable, unreadable, and/or unuseable) by themobile device 150. This keeps the communications passed between theadapter module 100 and the server 130 secured and safe from hacking.Mobile devices include, but are not limited to smart phones, tablet orlaptop computers, or personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart cards, orother technology (e.g., a hardware-software combination) known or yet tobe discovered that has structure and/or capabilities similar to themobile devices described herein. The mobile device 150 preferably has anapplication (e.g., the application 140) running on it. The term “app” isused broadly to include any software program(s) capable of implementingthe features described herein. FIGS. 10A-10D show user interfaces forthe application 140 displayed by the mobile device 150. It should benoted that the phrase “mobile device” can be assumed to include therelevant app unless specifically stated otherwise. Similarly, it shouldbe noted that an “app” can be assumed to be running on an associatedmobile device unless specifically stated otherwise. FIG. 21 showscomponents associated with the mobile device 150. The shown example maybe divided into multiple distinct components that are associated witheach other or the example may be incorporated into or drawn from othertechnology (e.g., the cell phone itself) as long as the components areassociated with each other.

Payment accepting unit 120 (or Machine 120): A payment accepting unit120 (or the machine 120) is equipment that requires payment for thedispensing of an product and/or service. Payment accepting units 120 maybe vending machines, parking meters, toll booths, laundromat washers anddryers, arcade games, kiosks, photo booths, toll booths, transit ticketdispensing machines, and other known or yet to be discovered paymentaccepting units 120. Some payment accepting units 120 can acceptcashless payments (payments other than cash (paper currency and coins))by accepting payment from, for example, credit cards, debit cards, andmobile devices.

Network Connections: For purposes of this discussion, a persistentnetwork connection is a wired or wireless communications connection thatis ongoing (e.g., a dedicated connection, a dedicated online connection,and/or a hardwired connection) or accessible on demand (e.g., theability for the machine to make a temporary connection to a server orthe ability for the user to contact a server from his mobile device).Typically the persistent network connection has been conducted over“long-range communication technology” or “long-range communicationprotocol” (e.g., hardwired, telephone network technology, cellulartechnology (e.g., GSM, CDMA, or the like), Wi-Fi technology, wide areanetwork (WAN), local area network (LAN), or any wired or wirelesscommunication technology over the Internet that is known or yet to bediscovered). Traditionally, machines that accept payment other than cashrequire a persistent (ongoing or accessible on demand) connection to anetwork to facilitate payment. This is true for machines that accept,for example, credit cards and debit cards. The payment accepting units120 described herein do not require a traditional persistent networkconnection. The user's mobile device 150 acts as a communication bridgebetween the adapter module 100 and the server 130. Communicationsbetween user mobile devices 150 and the servers (e.g., a systemmanagement server 130 and/or a funding source server 160) take placeusing long-range communication technology. Communications between usermobile devices 150 and the adapter module 100 of the payment acceptingunit 120 take place using “short-range communication technology” or“short-range communication protocol” (e.g., Bluetooth (such as Bluetooth4.0, Bluetooth Smart, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), near-fieldcommunication (NFC), Ultra Wideband (UWB), radio frequencyidentification (RFID), infrared wireless, induction wireless, or anywired or wireless technology that could be used to communicate a smalldistance (approximately a hundred feet or closer) that is known or yetto be discovered). Therefore, neither the adapter module 100 nor thepayment accepting unit 120 requires a traditional persistent long-rangewireless network connection. The communications technology shown in thefigures may be replaced with alternative like communications technologyand, therefore, specific shown communications technologies are not meantto be limiting. For example, Wi-Fi technology could be replaced withanother long-range communication technology.

Server: A server is the host processing server that may be operated bythe company running the payment processing system. For each user, theserver 130 preferably maintains at least one “virtual wallet” having atleast one “balance” (which can be $0) of designated funds for which theserver 130 keeps an accounting. The balance may represent, for example,“cash” or it may be a “promotional value” that represents funds that maybe spent under certain circumstances. If these funds begin to bedepleted, the user may be notified (e.g., via the application 140 on themobile device 150) that additional funds need to be designated and/ortransferred. Alternatively, funds from other sources (e.g., the fundingsource server 160) may be automatically transferred to restore apredetermined balance. The balance may also be increased based on apromotion (e.g., points earned or coupons). As shown in FIG. 22, theserver includes appropriate processors 950, memory 960 (which would keepan accounting of the user's balance in a manner similar to a gift card),and communication systems 970. As shown in FIG. 22, the communicationsunit 970 of the server 130 includes long-range communication capability972 (e.g., cellular technology and/or Wi-Fi mechanisms). The server 130also includes a security unit 955 for encrypting and decryptingmessages. The server 130 receives an authorization request (sometimesalso herein called an “AuthRequest”) from the adapter module 100 (via amobile device 150) and, if funds are available, returns an authorizationgrant (sometimes also herein called an “AuthGrant” or an “authorizationgrant token”) for funds. FIG. 22 shows components associated with theserver 130. The shown example may be divided into multiple distinctcomponents that are associated with each other or the example may beincorporated into or drawn from other technology (e.g., a computer or amain frame) as long as the components are associated with each other.

Advertise Presence: Each adapter module 100 advertises its presence bybroadcasting signals (advertising broadcast signals) to mobile devicesin the zones 102, 104, 106. Each adapter module 100 can listen to otheradapter modules' advertisements.

Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI): The adapter module 100 mayhave a self-calibrating signal strength to determine zone thresholds(e.g., a payment zone threshold and an authentication zone threshold).At the time the user selects an item (product or service) from thepayment accepting unit 120, the Received Signal Strength Indicator(RSSI) is logged. At this moment, it is presumed the user is within“arm's-length” (which may be a predetermined length approximating thedistance of a user standing in front of a machine for the purpose ofmaking a purchase) from the payment accepting unit 120. A mathematicalcomputation (i.e., In-Range Heuristics) is conducted to derive theoptimal RSSI threshold at which point payment should be triggered by anapplication 140 on a mobile device 150. The threshold may be paymentaccepting unit specific and can vary over a period of time. This optimalzone threshold is preferably reported to the mobile device 150 during aninitial handshake.

In-Range Heuristics: A mathematical computation that determines the RSSIthreshold to determine when a user is in the authorization zone 104and/or the payment zone 102. This computation can take intoconsideration numerous historical data points as well as transactionspecific information such as which the mobile device 150 is being used,payment accepting unit type, among other factors. Preferably the RSSI islogged while the user is making his selection (this is the one time inthe entire process that the user definitely will be “in range” (e.g.,they will be arm's length from the machine 120 because they arephysically interacting with the machine 120). The type of user mobiledevice 150, accelerometer data (e.g., is the user moving or stationary),and/or other information may also be logged while the user is making hisselection. The adapter module 100 can give a reference RSSI for thepayment zone 102 for the machine 120, and the application 140 can make a+/− adjustment based on the specific mobile device 150 on which it isinstalled. Over a period of time, the payment processing systemcontinues to improve itself based on additional data points.

Authorization Request (“AuthRequest:): When a user enters theauthorization zone 104, the mobile device 150 notifies the adaptermodule 100 and the adapter module 100 sends a secured authorizationrequest (e.g., the encrypted authorization request) as a “message” (alsoreferred to as a communication or transmissions) to the server 130 viathe mobile device 150. Encryption may be performed by a security unit755 (FIG. 20) with security technology (e.g., encryption and decryptionmeans) that may be associated with the processing unit 750 and/or thememory 760. Significantly, the AuthRequest is a request forauthorization of funds, not a request for authorization of atransaction. The purpose of the funds is irrelevant to the server 130.

Authorization Grant Token (“AuthGrant”): This is a “message” (alsoreferred to as a communication or transmissions) encrypted by thesecurity unit 955 (FIG. 22) with security technology (e.g., encryptionand decryption means) of the server 130 with the unique private keycorresponding to the adapter module 100. The secured authorization grant(e.g., the encrypted authorization grant) is passed from the server 130to the adapter module 100 via the mobile device 150 in the form of amessage. The mobile device 150, however, is not able to decrypt and/orread the message. The authorization grant is in response to theauthorization request. The amount of the funds granted by the AuthGrantmay be determined by factors including, but not limited to, the amountof funds available (or, if funds are not available, a mini-loan could begranted), a pre-authorized amount (e.g., set by the server, set by theuser during set-up, set by the funding source, or a standard amount),limited by time (e.g., only a certain amount per hour, or apredetermined amount at specific times of the day), limited to themaximum amount of an item on the machine (or enough for two or threeitems in the machine), or one or more of these and other factors.Significantly, the AuthGrant makes the funds available, but does notauthorize a transaction. The AuthGrant may have an associated expirationperiod in that it may expire if it is not used in a pre-determined timeperiod. The length of time before the AuthGrant expires may bedetermined by factors including, but not limited to, the trustworthinessof the user (e.g., the user has a long history with the paymentprocessing system or some known provider (e.g., credit card provider,bank, or credit union), the user has a good credit rating, or the userhas a large wallet balance), a pre-authorized time period (e.g., set bythe server, set by the user during set-up, set by the funding source, ora standard time period), limited by time (e.g., predetermined timeperiods at specific times of the day such as longer times duringbreakfast, lunch, and dinner), limited by the machine or the products orservices sold in the machine, limited by the number of other users nearthe machine (e.g., if it is a crowded machine, the AuthGrant may expirefaster), or one or more of these and other factors. The AuthGrantremains valid until it expires or some other event occurs to end itsvalidity (e.g., the user cancels it). This means that under normalcircumstances the mobile device 150 will hold the AuthGrant authorizinguse of funds for a pre-determined time period that will allow the usersufficient time to make a purchase. The authorized amount may beconsidered to be the “wallet balance” that is held in a virtual“wallet.”

Synchronization: Time may be synchronized to the adapter module 100 fromthe server 130. The server 130 sends time information with encryptedmessages and the adapter module 100 uses the time encoded in themessages for synchronization.

The mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system and componentsthereof may have associated hardware, software, and/or firmware (avariation, subset, or hybrid of hardware and/or software). The term“hardware” includes at least one “processing unit,” “processor,”“computer,” “programmable apparatus,” and/or other known or yet to bediscovered technology capable of executing instructions or steps (shownas the processing unit 750 in FIG. 20, the processing unit 850 in FIG.21, and the processing unit 950 in FIG. 22). The term “software”includes at least one “program,” “subprogram,” “series of instructions,”or other known or yet to be discovered hardware instructions orhardware-readable program code. Software may be loaded onto hardware (orfirmware) to produce a “machine,” such that the software executes on thehardware to create structures for implementing the functions describedherein. Further, the software may be loaded onto the hardware (orfirmware) so as to direct the mobile-device-to-machine paymentprocessing system (and components thereof) to function in a particularmanner described herein or to perform a series of operational steps asdescribed herein. “Hardware” such as the adapter module 100, the mobiledevice 150, and the payment accepting unit 120 may have software (e.g.,programs and apps) loaded thereon. The phrase “loaded onto the hardware”also includes being loaded into memory (shown as the memory 760 in FIG.20, the memory 860 in FIG. 21, and the memory 960 in FIG. 22) associatedwith or accessible by the hardware. The term “memory” is defined toinclude any type of hardware (or other technology)-readable media (alsoreferred to as computer-readable storage medium) including, but notlimited to, attached storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, network diskdrives, servers), internal storage media (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM,FLASH-EPROM, or any other memory chip or cartridge), removable storagemedia (e.g., CDs, DVDs, flash drives, memory cards, floppy disks,flexible disks), firmware, and/or other known or yet to be discoveredstorage media. Depending on its purpose, the memory may be transitoryand/or non-transitory. Appropriate “messages,” “communications,”“signals,” and/or “transmissions” (that includes various types ofinformation and/or instructions including, but not limited to, data,commands, bits, symbols, voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves,magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, and/or anycombination thereof) over appropriate “communication paths,”“transmission paths,” and other means for signal transmission includingany type of connection between two elements on the payment processingsystem (e.g., the adapter module 100, the mobile device 150, the paymentaccepting unit 120, hardware systems and subsystems, and memory) wouldbe used as appropriate to facilitate controls and communications.

It should be noted that the terms “programs” and “subprograms” aredefined as a series of instructions that may be implemented as software(i.e. computer program instructions or computer-readable program code)that may be loaded onto a computer to produce a “machine,” such that theinstructions that execute on the computer create structures forimplementing the functions described herein or shown in the figures.Further, these programs and subprograms may be loaded onto a computer sothat they can direct the computer to function in a particular manner,such that the instructions produce an article of manufacture includinginstruction structures that implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The programs and subprograms may also be loadedonto a computer to cause a series of operational steps to be performedon or by the computer to produce a computer implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer provide steps forimplementing the functions specified in the flow chart block or blocks.The phrase “loaded onto a computer” also includes being loaded into thememory of the computer or a memory associated with or accessible by thecomputer. Separate, albeit interacting, programs and subprograms may beassociated with the adapter modules 100, the server 130, and the mobiledevice 150 (including the mobile application 140) and these programs andsubprograms may be divided into smaller subprograms to perform specificfunctions.

The terms “messages,” “communications,” “signals,” and/or“transmissions” include various types of information and/or instructionsincluding, but not limited to, data, commands, bits, symbols, voltages,currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, opticalfields or particles, and/or any combination thereof. Appropriatetechnology may be used to implement the “communications,” “signals,”and/or “transmissions” including, for example, transmitters, receivers,and transceivers. “Communications,” “signals,” and/or “transmissions”described herein would use appropriate technology for their intendedpurpose. For example, hard-wired communications (e.g., wired serialcommunications) would use technology appropriate for hard-wiredcommunications, short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth) would usetechnology appropriate for close communications, and long-rangecommunications (e.g., GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, or the like) would usetechnology appropriate for remote communications over a distance.Appropriate security (e.g., SSL or TLS) for each type of communicationis included herein. The security units 755 and 955 include technologyfor securing messages. The security technology may be, for example,encryption/decryption technology (e.g., software or hardware). Althoughencryption/decryption is discussed primarily as being performed using aunique private key, alternative strategies include, but are not limitedto encryption/decryption performed using public/private keys (i.e.,asymmetric cryptography), or other encryption/decryption strategiesknown or yet to be discovered. Appropriate input mechanisms and/oroutput mechanisms, even if not specifically described, are considered tobe part of the technology described herein. The communications unit 770(shown in FIG. 20) of the adapter module 100 is shown as includingappropriate input and output mechanisms 772, 774 that may be implementedin association (e.g., directly or indirectly in functionalcommunication) with male and female adapters 720, 730 of the adaptermodule 100. The communications unit 870 (shown in FIG. 21) of the mobiledevice 150 includes mechanisms for both long-range communications (shownas the long-range communication capability 872 such as cellular and/orWi-Fi mechanisms) for communicating with the server 130 and short-rangecommunications (shown as the short-range communication capability 876such as Bluetooth mechanisms) for communicating with the adapter module100.

When used in relation to “communications,” “signals,” and/or“transmissions,” the terms “provide” and “providing” (and variationsthereof) are meant to include standard means of provision including“transmit” and “transmitting,” but can also be used for non-traditionalprovisions as long as the “communications,” “signals,” and/or“transmissions” are “received” (that can also mean obtained). The terms“transmit” and “transmitting” (and variations thereof) are meant toinclude standard means of transmission, but can also be used fornon-traditional transmissions as long as the “communications,”“signals,” and/or “transmissions” are “sent.” The terms “receive” and“receiving” (and variations thereof) are meant to include standard meansof reception, but can also be used for non-traditional methods ofobtaining as long as the “communications,” “signals,” and/or“transmissions” are “obtained.”

The term “associated” is defined to mean integral or original,retrofitted, attached, connected (including functionally connected),positioned near, and/or accessible by. For example, if the userinterface (e.g., a traditional display 122 (FIG. 19), a touch screendisplay 124 (FIG. 19), a key pad 126 (FIG. 19), buttons 126 (FIG. 19,shown as part of the key pad 126), a keyboard (not shown), and/or otherinput or output mechanism) is associated with a payment accepting unit120, the user interface may be original to the payment accepting unit120, retrofitted into the payment accepting unit 120, attached to thepayment accepting unit 120, and/or a nearby the payment accepting unit120. Similarly, adapter modules 100 may be associated with paymentaccepting units 120 in that the adapter modules 100 may be original tothe payment accepting unit 120, retrofitted into the payment acceptingunit 120, attached to the payment accepting unit 120, and/or a nearbythe payment accepting unit 120.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 together show major components of themobile-device-to-machine payment system and the interactionsthere-between.

As shown, the adapter module 100 functionally connected bi-directionallyto the payment accepting unit 120 via a wired serial connection suchthat no security is necessary. The adapter module 100 is alsofunctionally connected bi-directionally to the mobile device 150 (andits installed mobile application 140) via short-range communicationtechnology (e.g., a Bluetooth connection). Because the mobile device 150is not a “trusted” link (e.g., it could be hacked by a user), onlysecured communications (transmissions) are passed between the adaptermodule 100 and the mobile device 150. This keeps communications securedand safe from hacking. The mobile device 150 (and its installed mobileapplication 140) is also functionally connected bi-directionally to asystem management server 130 and/or a funding source server 160 vialong-range communication technology (e.g., Wi-Fi or Cellular connection)that preferably has appropriate security (e.g., SSL security). Securitybetween the mobile device 150 and the system management server 130 hasthe advantage of protecting communications from the mobile device 150 tothe system management server 130 that may include sensitive data and maynot be encrypted. The system management server 130 and the fundingsource server 160 may be connected via a wired Internet connection withSSL security. The system management server 130 may be connected via awired Internet connection with SSL security to an operators' server 170.Although not necessary to implement a purchase transaction, for otherpurposes (e.g., inventory), the operators' server 170 may be connectedto the payment accepting unit 120 using a handheld computer sync or acellular connection.

Also, a unique private key may be used to securely transmit encryptedmessages between the adapter module 100 and the system management server130 (although the encrypted transmissions would most likely be routedthrough the mobile device 150). The server 130 stores a private key foreach adapter module 100, and this key is only known to the adaptermodule 100 and the server 130. No intermediary is privy to this key(especially not the mobile device 150). When the adapter module 100 andthe server 130 communicate messages (e.g., AuthRequest and AuthGrant),the security unit 755 of the adapter module 100 encrypts the messagewith its private key and passes the message to the mobile device 150.The mobile device 150 (which preferably cannot decrypt the message)passes the encrypted message to the server 130. The server 130 is ableto decrypt the message using the security unit 955 of the adapter module100 and the unique private key. The security unit 955 of the server 130uses this same unique private key to encrypt messages to the adaptermodule 100 and sends the message to the mobile device 150 to relay tothe adapter module 100 that is able to decrypt the message using thesecurity unit 755 of the adapter module 100 and the unique private key.

FIG. 7 shows specific communications and messaging with a vendingsequence (the numbers to the left of the communications and messaging)between the adapter module 100, the mobile device 150, and the systemmanagement server 130. These communications are discussed in more detailin the discussion pertaining to the schematic flow diagrams (FIGS.8A-8G) and the flow charts (FIGS. 9A-9E).

It should be noted that FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are examples, and are meant tohelp in the understanding of the mobile-device-to-machine paymentsystem. For example, the shown long-range communications technology maybe replaced with alternative long-range communications technology knownor yet to be discovered, the shown short-range communication technologymay be replaced with alternative short-range communication technologyknown or yet to be discovered, and the shown security may be replacedwith alternative security known or yet to be discovered. The shownconnections are meant to be examples, and there may be intermediariesthat are not shown. The shown components have been simplified in that,for example, only one mobile device 150 (or machine 120, adapter module100, or server 130) is shown where many may be included. Finally, theorder of the steps may be changed and some steps may be eliminated.

ADAPTER MODULE

FIGS. 11-18 show views of adapter module 100 a (referred to generally asadapter module 100). Adapter module 100 is a relatively low costhardware component that is pre-configured to work with the industrystandard multi-drop bus (MDB). On machines without MDB technology, theadapter module 100 can be configured or designed to work with otherserial protocols or activate a switch. In essence the adapter module 100simulates establishing payment on payment accepting unit 120 in much thesame manner as other alternative forms of payment (e.g., cash).

The shown adapter modules 100 are preferably designed to be used as anin-line dongle for in-line insertion within, for example, a MDB of amachine 120. The wire used in MDB technology uses male and femaleconnection ends or adapters to allow the attachment of peripherals. Inthe case of a vending machine, the wire with the connection ends oradapters would be present to allow the attachment of a payment receivingmechanism (e.g., a coin mechanism). The MDB male and female adapters700, 710 may be separated (as shown in FIGS. 17-18). The adapter module100 a in FIGS. 11 and 17-18 has a male adapter 720 and a female adapter730. The adapter module 100 a may be plugged (inserted) in serial(“in-line”) with the wire. For example, the MDB female adapter 710 maybe connected to the male adapter 720 of the adapter module 100 and theMDB male adapter 700 may be connected to the female adapter 730 of theadapter module 100. The resulting in-line configuration is shown in FIG.19. It should be noted that the adapter modules 100 are designed toallow pass-through communications so that if themobile-device-to-machine payment processing system is not enabled (e.g.,for a particular purchase or simply turned off) the MDB functions asthough the adapter module 100 is not there and the machine 120 canfunction normally.

HANDS-FREE MODE

Summarily, if it is available, a hands-free mode, from the user'sperspective, would allow the user to approach a favorite paymentaccepting unit 120 and notice that the display (e.g., the displays 122or 124 shown in FIG. 19) associated with the payment accepting unit 120shows funds available (e.g., the wallet balance), he would select theproduct or service using input mechanisms (e.g., buttons 126 or a touchscreen display 124 shown in FIG. 19) associated with the paymentaccepting unit 120, and he would retrieve his dispensed services orproducts.

During an initial handshake with the mobile device 150 (when the user iswithin range), the adapter module 100 reports to the mobile device 150whether or not hands-free mode is available. If it is available, theinstalled mobile application 140 automatically connects to the paymentaccepting unit 120 without the user having to interact with the mobiledevice 150. The user observes that funds are available on the display122, 124 of the payment accepting unit 120 and completes the purchasetransaction as if cash was inserted in the machine 120 by inputting hisselection on the payment accepting unit 120. The payment accepting unit120 dispenses the product or service. After the selection is made, thechange is returned to the mobile device 150.

Whether hands-free payment is available is determined by factorsincluding, but not limited to whether if other mobile devices 150 are inrange, if other adapter modules 100 are in range, if there are anyalerts, if the payment trigger threshold is having wide variances and sodeemed unstable, or if the payment accepting unit operator (e.g., avending machine operator) has opted to disable hands-free mode for thepayment accepting unit 120. In the latter instance, operators candisable via a maintenance mobile device 150, as well as through theoperators' server 170 and/or the system management server 130.

FIG. 3 is a table that shows considerations, conditions, or factors thatmay be used to determine whether the hands-free pay feature isavailable. Starting at the “Favorite?” column, this indicates whetherthe payment accepting unit 120 is a favorite machine. Preferably thehands-free pay feature is only available for use with “favorite” paymentaccepting units 120 (e.g., a vending machine at work or school). The“Alert” column has to do with whether there is some reason (e.g., thereare too many users in range) that the hands-free pay feature should notwork and, if there is such a reason, the user will be notified (alerted)and may be able to use the manual mode to resolve the alert and/orcomplete the transaction. FIG. 3 shows situations in which a user is oris not able to make hands-free purchases from a machine 120 using amobile application 140 on his mobile device 150. It should be noted thatthe shown interface is an example. For example, some of the featurescould be automated or pre-selected. (It should be noted that the lefthand column, the “Tab” column, relates to whether the selected tab onthe mobile application 140 is “all” or “favorite.” FIGS. 10A-10D allshow these tabs. Unlike the other columns in FIG. 3, this column hasmore to do with the functionality and view of the application 140 thanspecifically with the hands-free feature. The tabs would allow a user toselect whether he wanted to be alerted when he was in range of allpayment accepting units 120 or just “favorite” payment accepting units120 and the application 140 would show the appropriate view.)

Balance Display: An optional feature of the mobile-device-to-machinepayment system that is particularly helpful in the hands-free mode(although it may be available in the manual mode and/or in amultiple-vend scenarios) is when the user's mobile device 150 sends“credit” to the payment accepting unit 120 (either via hands-freepayment or through a manual swipe), the wallet balance is sent to thepayment accepting unit 120 that is then displayed to the user on adisplay 122, 124 of the machine 120. This is particularly beneficialduring hands-free mode when the user does not retrieve the mobile device150 and, therefore, may not know the balance. Also, in a multiple-vendscenario the user would not have to calculate a remaining balance.

An example of a hands-free, multiple-vend scenario where a balance isdisplayed by the payment accepting unit 120, follows: The user has $5.00in his/her virtual wallet as that is the amount that has been authorized(the AuthGrant being stored on the mobile device 150). The user walks upto the payment accepting unit 120 and $5.00 is displayed on the display122, 124 of the payment accepting unit 120 since hands-free mode wasenabled and credit was sent (e.g., via the short-range communicationcapability) to the payment accepting unit 120. The user makes aselection of $1.50 by interacting (e.g., pressing buttons) with themachine 120. The item (product or service) is dispensed and the “change”is “returned” (e.g., via the short-range communication capability) tothe virtual wallet. But since the user is still standing in the paymentzone 102, the remaining wallet balance of $3.50 is sent to the paymentaccepting unit 120 and displayed so that the user can now see thathe/she has a $3.50 balance. (It should be noted that the authorizedfunds may remain on the machine 120 and not be transferred back to themobile device 150 between transactions.) The user decides to purchase a$1.50 item, and the transaction is completed as usual (e.g., byinteracting with the machine 120). Now the user is still standing in thepayment zone 102 and he/she sees the wallet balance of $2.00 on thedisplay 122, 124 of the payment accepting unit 120. The user decidesthat he/she does not wish to purchase anything else and simply walksaway. As he/she walks out of the payment zone 102, the credit is clearedfrom the machine 120, but he/she is left with the knowledge that hiswallet balance is $2.00 even though he/she never touched the mobiledevice 150. Communications between the payment accepting unit 120 andthe adapter module 100 (via the mobile device 150) handle the accountingincidental to the transaction. The remaining balance ($2.00) istechnically stored on the server 130, and may be reflected on theapplication 140 on the mobile device 150.

MULTIPLE DISTINCT ZONES

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the functions performed by the adapter module 100can be divided into distinct zones: a first “communication zone” (e.g.,“Bluetooth range” 106), a second “authorization zone” 104, and a third“payment zone” 102. The payment zone 102 is smaller than or equal to(overlapping completely) the authorization zone 104. Put another way,the payment zone 102 is within or coextensive with the authorizationzone 104. The payment zone 102 is a subset of the authorization zone 104with a ratio of the payment zone 102 to the authorization zone 104ranging from 0.01:1 to 1:1. It is not necessarily a fixed ratio and canvary between different payment accepting units 120, different mobiledevices 150, different users, and over time. While the zones 102, 104,106 are depicted as having a uniform shape, the zones may notnecessarily be uniform (or constant over time) in that the shape canvary. For example, the shape of the Bluetooth range 106 may varydepending on environmental conditions such as obstacles in the room andpayment accepting unit 120 door/wall materials.

Bluetooth Range 106 (sometimes also herein called the “communicationzone”): The outermost range is the Bluetooth range 106 (shown in FIGS.1-2). This is the area in which the adapter module 100 is able tobroadcast its presence. In most situations, the Bluetooth range 106 is apassive range in that no actual data is exchanged between the mobiledevice 150 and the adapter module 100. While in the Bluetooth range 106,the mobile device 150 monitors the RSSI (Received Signal StrengthIndicator).

Authorization Zone 104: The middle region is the authorization zone 104(shown in FIGS. 1-2). This is a computed area based on the RSSI. Asmentioned, the mobile device 150 monitors the RSSI while it is in theBluetooth range 106. When the RSSI reaches a certain predeterminedthreshold based on In-Range Heuristics, the mobile device 150 can beconsidered to be in the authorization zone 104. In the authorizationzone 104 the mobile device 150 establishes a connection to the adaptermodule 100 (e.g., a Bluetooth connection (FIG. 5) with SSL protection(FIG. 6)) and informs the adapter module 100 of its presence. After asuccessful handshake with the adapter module 100, the mobile device 150registers the adapter module 100 and the adapter module 100 requests anauthorization to the server 130 via the mobile devices' networkconnection (e.g., a Wi-Fi or cellular connection (FIG. 5) with SSLprotection (FIG. 6)). It is important to note the mobile device 150 andthe adapter module 100 have a non-exclusive relationship at this point.The adapter module 100 may collect registrations for all mobile devices150 that are within the authorization zone 104.

An authorization occurs in preparation for when the user enters thepayment zone 102 (shown in FIGS. 1-2). An authorization expires in a setperiod of time (for example, five minutes), so if the mobile device 150is still in the authorization zone 104 at the time of expiration, theadapter module 100 submits for and receives another authorization. Thiswill continue for a set number of times (for example, the limit may bethree times to limit cases of numerous authorizations for a mobiledevice that may remain in the authorization zone 104 for an extendedperiod of time without completing a transaction). Should authorizationfail (for instance if the limit had been reached) prior to the userentering the payment zone 102, the adapter module 100 will requestauthorization when the mobile device 150 enters the payment zone 102(which adds a few seconds to the experience).

Payment Zone 102: As a user enters the payment zone 102, the mobiledevice 150 establishes exclusive control of the adapter module 100. Onceestablished, any other user in the payment zone 102 is put into a“waiting” status.

In the payment zone 102, the payment can be triggered automatically ifthe payment processing system has and is in hands-free mode. In suchinstances, the mobile device 150 is running the application 140 inbackground mode and will send credit to the payment accepting unit 120without any explicit user interaction. The user completes thetransaction on the payment accepting unit 120 in much the same manner asif cash had been inserted into the payment accepting unit 120 toestablish credit. After the user completes the transaction (that mayinclude one or more purchases), details of the transaction arepreferably returned to the mobile device 150 and server 130 in separatemessages. The message to the server 130 is preferably encrypted with theadapter module's 100 private key (FIG. 6) to ensure data integrity. Asshown in FIG. 7, the “private key” coded message (Encrypted VendDetails)is preferably sent via the mobile device 150. The message to the mobiledevice 150 may be sent solely for the purpose of closing thetransaction. The transaction history and balance are updated server-sidevia the encrypted message sent to the server 130.

The other mode of operation is manual mode. In manual mode, the userlaunches the mobile device 150 and is able to swipe to send payment tothe payment accepting unit 120. The user can also swipe back to cancelthe payment. Like in hands-free mode, the purchase transaction iscompleted on the payment accepting unit 120 in the same manner as ifcash were inserted into the payment accepting unit 120. The mobiledevice 150 is only used to send payment. Selection is made directly onthe payment accepting unit 120.

Self-Calibrating Zone Threshold: A key, but optional feature, of thepayment processing system is a self-calibrating payment zone RSSIthreshold. Because RSSI can vary machine to machine, environment toenvironment, and device to device, having a fixed threshold at whichpayment is triggered can be problematic. The approach suggested hereinis the creation of a self-calibrating threshold. When the user isinteracting with the payment accepting unit 120 (such as when he makeshis selection on the payment accepting unit 120), the payment acceptingunit 120 notifies the adapter module 100 and the adapter module 100 logsthe conditions such as RSSI, type of user mobile device 150,accelerometer data, and other information. It is at this point that itcan be ascertained safely that the user is within arm's-length from thepayment accepting unit 120 (by necessity the user is arm's-lengthbecause he is making some physical interaction with the paymentaccepting unit 120). This is the only point in the entire transaction inwhich it can be certain that the user is within arm's-length from thepayment accepting unit 120.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified set of steps involved when users enter thepayment zone 102. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows that credit is established200 (this may have been done in the authorization zone 104, but if notit would be handled in the payment zone 102), that the user makes aselection using the machine 202, that the machine notifies the adaptermodule of the selection 204, that the adapter module (optionally) logsthe RSSI 206, and that the purchase process(es) continues 208. Using thehistorically logged RSSI data, the adapter module 100 calculates one ofseveral “average” RSSI using various mathematical models. This “average”could be a traditional average, a moving average, a weighted average, amedian, or other similar summary function. The adapter module 100 couldpre-process the historical data before running the function, such as toeliminate top and bottom data points, suspect data points, etc.

Optionally, during the handshake between the mobile device 150 and theadapter module 100, the information transmitted to the adapter module100 may include, for example, the model of the mobile device 150. Usingthe received information pertaining to the mobile device models, theadapter module 100 can create multiple payment thresholds, one for eachmobile device model. This allows for variances that may be inherent indifferent types of Bluetooth radios. An alternative to this method isfor the adapter module 100 to broadcast a baseline payment zonethreshold, and the mobile device 150 can use an offset from thisbaseline based on its specific model type. The payment zone thresholds(or baseline offsets) can be unique to specific types of mobile devices(e.g., by manufacturer, operating system, or component parts), models ofmobile devices, or individual mobile devices (unique to each user).

In a typical scenario in which the payment zone threshold has beencalibrated, the adapter module 100 advertises its presence along withthe threshold at which it considers any mobile device 150 to be in theauthorization zone 104. This is a one-way communication from adaptermodule 100 to mobile device 150. Once the mobile device 150 enters theauthorization zone 104, there is a handshake that is established betweenthe adapter module 100 and the mobile device 150. During this handshake,the mobile device 150 can share its model information with the adaptermodule 100, and the adapter module 100 can return the payment zone 102threshold for that specific model.

Optionally, in addition to calibrating the payment zone threshold, theadapter module 100 can apply the self-calibrating model to theauthorization zone 104 to calibrate the authorization zone threshold. Aswith the payment zone thresholds, the authorization zone thresholds canbe unique to specific types of mobile devices, models of mobile devices,or individual mobile devices. In this scenario, the adapter module 100would broadcast multiple thresholds by device type and the mobile device150 would determine which threshold to apply (or alternatively broadcasta baseline and the mobile device 150 uses an offset based on its devicemodel). Even in this scenario, the authorization zone 104 is a one-waycommunication.

Optionally, along with the threshold that is calculated (in the paymentand/or the authorization zone(s)), a safety margin can be added tominimize scenarios in which a user is within range, but themobile-device-to-machine payment processing system does not recognize itbecause the threshold may not have been reached. For example, if thecalculated RSSI for an iPhone™ 5 on machine 4567 is −68 db, themobile-device-to-machine payment processing system may add a safetymargin of −5 db, and establish the threshold at −73 db. So when a user'sphone is communicating with the adapter module 100 at an RSSI of −73 dbor better, the mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system willallow the mobile device 150 to credit the payment accepting unit 120.The safety margin can be set on the server 130 and downloaded to theadapter module 100, or set on the mobile device 150, or set on theadapter module 100 itself.

Optionally, in the payment zone threshold, the mobile device 150 can useother data to determine when to cancel the exclusive control of thepayment accepting unit 120, to identify when the user is moving out ofthe payment zone 102. External data could include accelerometer datafrom the mobile device 150. Using that data, the mobile device 150 candetermine whether the user is standing relatively still in front of thepayment accepting unit 120, or if the user is in motion—effectivelywalking away from the payment accepting unit 120.

SIGNAL UNAVAILABILITY ADAPTATION

The mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system described hereinuses a mobile device's 150 short-range communication technology (e.g.,Bluetooth mechanisms) (shown as short-range communication capability 876in FIG. 21) and a mobile device's 150 long-range communicationstechnology (e.g., cellular and/or Wi-Fi mechanisms) (shown as long-rangecommunication capability 872 in FIG. 21). The short-range communicationcapability 876 communicates with the adapter module's 100 short-rangecommunication technology (e.g., Bluetooth mechanisms) (shown asshort-range communication capability 776 in FIG. 20). The long-rangecommunication capability 872 communicates with the server's 130long-range communications technology (e.g., cellular and/or Wi-Fimechanisms) (shown as long-range communication capability 972 in FIG.22). The mobile device 150 (with a mobile application 140 thereon) actsas a communication bridge between the adapter module 100 (associatedwith a payment accepting unit 120) and the server 130. This process isdescribed herein and works properly if there is cellular or Wi-Ficoverage within the payment zone 102.

One option if there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage within the paymentzone 102 is to determine whether there is cellular or Wi-Fi coveragewithin the authorization zone 104 or the Bluetooth range 106. If thereis, then the sizes of the zones 102, 104, 106 could be adapted and thetiming could be adapted. For example, if the mobile devices 150 detectedproblems with the cellular or Wi-Fi coverage within the payment zone102, the user could carry his mobile device 150 into the other zones (orthe mobile device 150 could use short-range communication technology tocommunicate with other mobile devices 150 within the authorization zone104 or the Bluetooth range 106) to determine whether the zones havecellular or Wi-Fi coverage. If they do have coverage, communicationbetween the mobile device 150 and the server 130 can be advanced(conducted earlier when the mobile device 150 is further from themachine 120) or delayed (conducted later when the mobile device 150 isfurther from the machine 120). This can be thought of as changing thesize or shapes of the zones 102, 104, 106. The timing would also have tobe adjusted so that the authorization of funds (AuthGrant) does notexpire before the user has a chance to make a purchase. It also meansthat balance updates to the server 130 may happen after the user hasmoved away from the machine 120 and has cellular or Wi-Fi coverageagain.

Another option if there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage within any ofthe zones 102, 104, 106 is for the user to obtain authorization whileoutside of the zones in a place with cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Thismay occur, for example, if a user knows that he will be going to a placewith a payment accepting unit 120 equipped with an adapter module 100(perhaps to a favorite payment accepting unit 120) that does not have(or rarely has) cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. A user may also use themobile application 140 to query payment accepting units 120 in a givenrange (e.g., within 50 miles) or at a given location (e.g., at acampground or in a particular remote city) to determine whether there iscellular or Wi-Fi coverage within the zones 102, 104, 106. The user canthen obtain pre-authorization from the server 130 using the mobileapplication 140. Again, the timing would also have to be adjusted sothat the authorization of funds (AuthGrant) does not expire before theuser has a chance to make a purchase. It also means that balance updatesto the server 130 may happen after the user has moved away from themachine 120 and has cellular or Wi-Fi coverage again. Amobile-device-to-machine payment system having the ability to implementthis option would be able to accept cashless payments without requiringany network connection near the payment accepting unit 120. In someimplementations, the mobile-device-to-machine payment processing systemsdescribed herein is located in a remote location where no signal isavailable, therefore, can accept cashless payments.

As an example of a situation in which there might be no cellular orWi-Fi coverage within any of the zones 102, 104, 106 of a particularpayment accepting unit 120, the user (a teenager) may be traveling to aremote location to attend summer camp where there is no cellular orWi-Fi coverage. The camp may have several payment accepting units 120(e.g., a machine that creates a dedicated “hot spot” that requirespayment for use, vending machines, or machines for renting equipmentsuch as bikes, kayaks, or basketballs). The camp facility might notifyparents that the mobile-device-to-machine payment system is available.The parents, while at home, could obtain authorization for a particularamount (that could be doled out a certain amount per day or limited totype of machine or location) to be authorized and “loaded” into theuser's mobile device 150 and specify that the authorization will notexpire for a certain period or until a certain date. Thereafter, whileat camp, the user could use the mobile application 140 on his mobiledevice 150 in a manner similar to those discussed elsewhere herein.Short-range communications may be used for communications between theadapter modules 100 (associated with the machines 120) and users' mobiledevices 150.

One subtle but powerful component of the payment processing systemdescribed herein is that it requires a long-range communicationcapability (e.g., an Internet or cellular network connection) only inthe authorization zone 104 and only for the time period required to sendthe AuthRequest and receive the AuthGrant. Once a valid AuthGrant isreceived by the mobile device 150, the long-range communicationcapability (e.g., an Internet or cellular network connection) is notrequired by either the mobile device 150 or the adapter module 100 inthe payment zone 102 as long as the AuthGrant is valid (unexpired). Thismechanism allows the system to seamlessly handle authenticatedtransactions in (temporary) offline mode, with the deferredacknowledgement and transaction messages performing the bookkeeping andcleanup when network connection is regained. The alternatives describedabove provide a unique way to artificially extend the authorization zoneto include any location where the mobile device 150 can communicate withthe server 130.

MULTIPLE USER RESOLUTION

As shown in FIG. 2, in one practical scenario, multiple users are in thezones 102, 104, 106. As shown in FIG. 2, users 1, 2, and 3 are in thepayment zone 102 near the machine 120; users 5 and 6 are shown aspositioned between the authorization zone 104 and the Bluetooth range106; users 4 and 7 are in the Bluetooth range 106, user 10 is positionedon the edge of the Bluetooth range 106; and users 8 and 9 are positionedoutside of Bluetooth range 106. In some implementations, themobile-device-to-machine payment processing system manages and resolvesissues pertaining to multiple users.

Users 4 and 7 are within the Bluetooth range 106 and the user 10 iseither entering or leaving the Bluetooth range 106. Within the Bluetoothrange 106 the users' mobile devices 150 are able to see the adaptermodule's 100 advertisement. In this zone, the mobile device 150preferably does not initiate a connection. The adapter module 100 ispreferably unaware of the users in the Bluetooth range 106. All theadapter module 100 is doing is advertising its presence to any multitudeof users that may be in Bluetooth range 106.

The adapter module 100 begins to log users as the users (and theirrespective mobile devices 150) enter the authorization zone 104 (shownin FIG. 2 as users 5 and 6). At this point, there is a non-exclusiveconnection initiated by the mobile device 150 to the adapter module 100.It does a handshake (e.g., to exchange information needed to obtainauthorization and, optionally, to log information needed for aself-calibrating authorization zone threshold) and the mobile device 150contacts the server 130 for an authorization (e.g., sending anAuthRequest and receiving an AuthGrant). The adapter module 100registers all mobile devices 150 that have requested and receivedAuthGrants. The adapter module 100 continues communicating with anyother mobile device 150 that enters the authorization zone 104. Afterinitial contact, the adapter module 100 may provide the mobile device150 with a deferral delay of when to check back in with the adaptermodule 100 allowing opportunity for other mobile devices 150 tocommunicate with the adapter module 100.

If there is only one user in the payment zone 102, a purchasetransaction may be performed. If there are multiple users in the paymentzone 102, the mobile-device-to-machine payment system must handle thesituation.

One optional solution for handling the situation of the multiple usersin the payment zone 102 is queuing users in the payment zone 102. Onceany mobile device 150 enters the payment zone 102, it establishesexclusivity to a particular mobile device 150 (e.g., in afirst-come-first-serve manner). Technically, however, the adapter module100 is not establishing an exclusive connection to the mobile device150. The adapter module 100 can still perform a round-robin poll andcommunicate with and advertise to other mobile devices 150. Instead, theadapter module 100 establishes a queue prioritized by RSSI and time(e.g., who was first and whether the authorization has expired) and itnotifies (e.g., alerts) other mobile devices 150 to wait. The earliestvalid (unexpired) authorization takes precedence when there is any tiein the RSSI. Otherwise, for example, the strongest average RSSI takespriority. Preferably the queue is not a static measure of the RSSI butan averaged measure over the period of time in the queue. Thiscompensates for a scenario in which a user may be walking around in thequeue and then shows up at the payment accepting unit 120 just as theprevious user is finishing. If another user was also in the payment zone102 and stood there the entire time, but may have newer authorization,he could win out.

Anytime that the adapter module 100 cannot determine exactly which useris in the payment zone 102 in front of the payment accepting unit 120,the adapter module 100 will disable hands-free payment. The mobiledevice 150 will send an alert to the user and he can use swipe to pay(manual mode). All users in payment zone 102 will show “Connected” andthe first to swipe payment to the payment accepting unit 120 then locksout other users.

MULTIPLE MODULE RESOLUTION

In the scenario where there are multiple modules present, determiningwhich payment accepting unit 120 a user is in front of can be achallenge. In some implementations, the mobile-device-to-machine paymentprocessing system described herein allows adapter modules 100 tocommunicate to other adapter modules 100 in range via Bluetooth. Eachuser receives authorization grants for specific payment accepting units120. This means if there are multiple adapter modules 100 within thesame authorization zone 104, there will be multiple authorization grantsfor the user. When the user enters the payment zone 102, it can bedifficult to differentiate which payment accepting unit 120 the user isin front of if the payment zones 102 overlap.

To solve this problem, when the user enters the payment zone 102, theadapter modules 100 communicate with each other to determine the RSSIfor the particular user (based on the signal from his mobile device 150)to triangulate which adapter module 100 (and the associated paymentaccepting unit 120) is closer to the user. Optionally, the inter-modulecommunications can restrict the user to establishing an exclusiveconnection with only one payment accepting unit 120.

Optionally, when the user connects to a payment accepting unit 120, themobile device 150 can send a communication to the payment accepting unit120 for momentary display to the user on the display 122, 124 of thepayment accepting unit 120. For example, the mobile device 150 can senda communication (e.g., “connected” or “Fred's Mobile Device Connected”)to the payment accepting unit's display 122, 124 for a predeterminedperiod of time (e.g., 1-3 seconds) so when the user is in payment zone102, it is clear which payment accepting unit 120 the user is connectedto prior to making a purchase (either in hands-free or manual mode).

In addition, when the user is in manual mode, the mobile device 150 candisplay (e.g., on the touch screen 152 as shown in FIGS. 10A-10D) avisual indication of the payment accepting unit 120 (e.g., a pictureand/or a payment accepting unit ID of the payment accepting unit 120)for visual confirmation. If the user is in manual mode, the user canmanually change the payment accepting unit 120.

DESCRIPTIVE SCENARIO

FIG. 7, FIGS. 8A-8G, and 9A-9E (as well as other figures) can be used tounderstand a detailed scenario of the mobile-device-to-machine paymentprocessing system described herein. A flow of communications and stepsare loosely described below with reference to these (and other figures).It should be noted that alternative scenarios could include, forexample, a modified order of the steps performed.

Prior to vending transactions, a user downloads a mobile application 140onto his mobile device 150, creates an account, and configures a fundingsource via, for example, a funding source server 160. A funding sourcemay be, for example, a debit card, a credit card, campus cards, rewardspoints, bank accounts, payment services (e.g., PayPal™) or other paymentoption or combination of payment options known or yet to be discovered.The funding sources may be traditional and/or nontraditional paymentsources that are integrated into the ecosystem described herein and thenused indirectly as a source of funds. Funds from the funding source arepreferably held on the server 130 such that when an AuthRequest isreceived by the server 130, the server 130 can send an AuthGrantauthorizing funds for a purchase.

The user can specify one or more “favorite” adapter module(s) 100 (thathas a one-to-one relationship to the payment accepting unit 120) that hemay visit regularly, such as a vending machine at school or work.Favorite adapter modules 100 appear on a pre-filtered list and allow foradditional rich features such as hands-free payment.

The payment accepting unit 120 may be equipped with an adapter module100 that is constantly advertising its availability via Bluetooth (orother “signals,” “communications,” and/or “transmissions”). This ongoingadvertising and scanning for adapter modules is shown in FIG. 8A. Asshown, the mobile device 150 is continuously scanning for any adaptermodule 100 within Bluetooth (or other “signal,” “communication,” and/or“transmission”) range. When the user is within range of that adaptermodule 100, the mobile device 150 tracks and monitors the signalstrength until a predetermined “authorization zone” threshold isachieved.

FIGS. 8B and 9A generally show that when the authorization zonethreshold is reached, the mobile device 150 enters the authorizationzone (block 302) and registers the adapter module 100. The mobile device150 connects to the server 130 (block 304). The application 140 on themobile device 150 creates a request for authorization (AuthRequest) andpasses the AuthRequest to the server 130 using appropriate communicationtechnology (e.g., GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, or the like) (block 306). The server130 responds with an authorization grant (AuthGrant) encrypted with thespecific adapter module's private key (block 306). This authorizationtoken may minimally include the User identifier (ID), Apparatus ID (forthe adapter module 100), authorization amount, and expiration time. Themobile device 150 receives the AuthGrant from the server 130, andretains it until the mobile device 150 is ready to issue payment to anadapter module 100. The mobile device 150 collects all pendingAuthGrants that may be one or more depending on how many adapter modules100 are in-range. Unused AuthGrants that expire are purged from themobile device 150 and the server 130. It is important to note that themobile device 150 is unable to read the AuthGrant because it isencrypted with the adapter module's unique private key that is onlyknown to server 130 and adapter module 100. This provides a preferredkey element of security in the system as the adapter module 100 onlytrusts AuthGrants that are issued by the server 130, and the AuthGrantscannot be read or modified by the mobile device 150 or any other partyin between the server and the adapter module 100. Additional mobiledevices 150 may enter the authorization zone 104 (block 308).

As the user approaches a specific adapter module 100, the user entersthe payment zone 102 and an event threshold is triggered based onheuristics performed by the mobile device 150. Blocks 310 and 312 showthe loop steps of waiting for a mobile device 150 from the authorizationzone 104 to enter the payment zone 102. If the user leaves theauthorization zone 104 without entering the payment zone 102, theadapter module 100 returns to advertising its presence (block 300).

FIGS. 8C and 9B generally show the user entering the payment zone. Themobile device 150 verifies that it has an unexpired and valid AuthGrant.If the AuthGrant is not good, it may be requested again, repeating theAuthorization Request process (block 315). If the AuthGrant is good, themobile device 150 sends the valid AuthGrant (including the walletbalance (block 322)) to the adapter module 100 to initiate atransaction. The mobile device 150 may issue the AuthGrant automaticallywithout specific user interaction if the hands-free mode is supported(and the device is a favorite (block 318), there is only one device inthe payment zone 102 (block 318), and (optionally) there is only oneuser in the authorization zone 104 (block 320). If any of these factorsare not present, the mobile device 150 will prompt and/or wait for theuser to begin the transaction manually (block 324).

FIGS. 8D, 9C, and 9D generally show the transaction process. As shown inFIG. 9C, the adapter module 100 runs through a series of questions todetermine if there are any issues that would prevent vending including:has the user canceled in-app? (block 326), has the user walked away?(block 328), is the coin return pressed? (block 330), has more than apredetermined period of time elapsed? (block 332). If the answer to anyof these questions is “yes,” the transaction does not proceed. If theanswers to all of these questions is “no,” the user makes a selection(block 334) on the payment accepting unit 120 in the same or similarmanner as compared to if cash or credit were presented to the paymentaccepting unit 120. If the machine 120 is able to vend (block 336), itattempts to release the product. If the vend fails (block 338) it isreported by the machine (block 340) and a credit is returned to thevirtual wallet (block 342). If the vend is successful (block 338) it isreported by the machine (block 344). Put another way, after thetransaction is complete, the adapter module 100 returns to the mobiledevice 150 the details of the transaction as well as an encrypted packetcontaining the vend details to be sent to the server 130 via the mobiledevice 150. Optionally, the adapter module 100 can pass additionalinformation not directly related to the transaction such as paymentaccepting unit health, sales data, error codes, etc.

FIGS. 8D and 9E generally show the multi-vend function. If the machinehas enabled multi-vend capabilities (block 350) and the multi-vend limithas not been reached, the process returns to the question of whether theuser is in the payment zone (block 310 of FIG. 9A). If the machine doesnot have enabled multi-vend capabilities (block 350) or the multi-vendlimit has been reached, the wallet is decremented by the vend amount(s)and “change” is returned to the virtual wallet (block 354) and theprocess ends (block 356).

FIG. 8E is a schematic flow diagram of an example login process. FIG. 8Fis a schematic flow diagram of an example boot-up process. FIG. 8G is aschematic flow diagram of an example account check/update process.

Several of the figures are flow charts (e.g., FIGS. 9A-9E) illustratingmethods and systems. It will be understood that each block of these flowcharts, components of all or some of the blocks of these flow charts,and/or combinations of blocks in these flow charts, may be implementedby software (e.g., coding, software, computer program instructions,software programs, subprograms, or other series of computer-executableor processor-executable instructions), by hardware (e.g., processors,memory), by firmware, and/or a combination of these forms. As anexample, in the case of software, computer program instructions(computer-readable program code) may be loaded onto a computer toproduce a machine, such that the instructions that execute on thecomputer create structures for implementing the functions specified inthe flow chart block or blocks. These computer program instructions mayalso be stored in a memory that can direct a computer to function in aparticular manner, such that the instructions stored in the memoryproduce an article of manufacture including instruction structures thatimplement the function specified in the flow chart block or blocks. Thecomputer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer tocause a series of operational steps to be performed on or by thecomputer to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions that execute on the computer provide steps for implementingthe functions specified in the flow chart block or blocks. Accordingly,blocks of the flow charts support combinations of steps, structures,and/or modules for performing the specified functions. It will also beunderstood that each block of the flow charts, and combinations ofblocks in the flow charts, may be divided and/or joined with otherblocks of the flow charts without affecting the scope of the invention.This may result, for example, in computer-readable program code beingstored in whole on a single memory, or various components ofcomputer-readable program code being stored on more than one memory.

ADDITIONAL IMPLEMENTATIONS

FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic flow diagram of a process 1000 ofauthenticating a user to perform a transaction in the payment processingsystem in accordance with some implementations. In some implementations,the payment processing system includes one or more payment modules 100(e.g., each associated with a respective payment accepting unit 120 suchan automatic retailing machine for dispensing goods and/or services),one or more mobile devices 150 (e.g., each executing the application 140for the payment processing system either as a foreground or backgroundprocess), and the server 130. The server 130 manages the paymentprocessing system and, in some cases, is associated with an entity thatsupplies, operates, and/or manufactures the one or more payment modules100. For brevity, the process 1000 will be described with respect to arespective payment module 100 and a respective mobile device 150 in thepayment processing system.

The payment module 100 broadcasts (1002), via a short-rangecommunication capability (e.g., BLE), a packet of information (sometimesalso herein called “advertised information”). The packet of informationat least includes an authorization code and an identifier associatedwith the payment module 100 (module ID). In some implementations, thepacket of information further includes a firmware version of the paymentmodule 100 and one or more status flags corresponding to one or morestates of the payment module 100 and/or the payment accepting unit 120.The information included in the packet broadcast by the payment module100 is further discussed below with reference to FIG. 24A.

In some implementations, the payment module 100 sends out a uniqueauthorization code every X seconds (e.g., 100 ms, 200 ms, 500 ms, etc.).In some implementations, the unique authorization codes are randomly orpseudo-randomly generated numbers. In some implementations, the paymentmodule 100 stores broadcasted authorization codes until a receivedauthorization grant token matches one of the stored authorization codes.In some implementations, the payment module 100 stores broadcastedauthorization codes for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., Y minutes)after which time an authorization code expires and is deleted. In someimplementations, the authorization code is encrypted with a sharedsecret key known by the server 130 but unique to the payment module 100.In some implementations, the payment module 100 initializes a randomnumber and then the authorization codes are sequential counts from thisrandom number. In such implementations, the payment module 100 storesthe earliest valid (unexpired) counter without a need to store everyvalid authorization code. In some implementations, the authenticationcode included in the broadcast packet of information is a hash value ofthe randomly or pseudo-randomly generated number or the sequentialnumber.

The mobile device 150 receives the broadcasted packet of information,and the mobile device 150 sends (1004), via a long-range communicationcapability (e.g., GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, or the like), an authorizationrequest to the server 130. For example, an application 140 that isassociated with the payment processing system is executing as aforeground or background process on the mobile device 150. In thisexample, the application 140 receives the broadcasted packet ofinformation when the mobile device 150 is within the communication zoneof the payment module 100 (i.e., BLE range) and either automaticallysends the authorization request to the server 130 or sends theauthorization request to the server 130 when the mobile device 150 iswithin the authorization zone of the payment module 100. In someimplementations, the broadcasted packet of information includes abaseline authorization zone threshold (i.e., an authorization zonecriterion) indicating a baseline RSSI that the mobile device 150 (or theapplication 140) is required to observe before being within theauthorization zone of the payment module 100. In some implementations,the mobile device 150 (or the application 140) offsets the baselineauthorization zone threshold based on the strength and/or reception ofthe short-range communication capability (e.g., BLE radio/transceiver)of the mobile device 150. In some implementations, the authorizationrequest at least includes the authorization code which was included inthe broadcasted packet of information, an identifier associated with theuser of the mobile device 150 or the user account under which the userof the mobile device 150 is logged into the application 140 (user ID),and the identifier associated with the payment module 100 (module ID).In some implementations, the authentication code included inauthorization request is the hash value in cleartext. The authorizationrequest is further discussed below with reference to FIG. 24B.

After receiving the authorization request, the server 130 processes(1006) the authorization request. In some implementations, the server130 decrypts the authorization code included in the authorizationrequest with the shared secret key corresponding to the payment module100. In some implementations, the server 130 determines whether the userassociated with the user ID in the authorization request has sufficientfunds in his/her account for the payment processing system to perform atransaction at the machine 120 that is associated with the paymentmodule 100 corresponding to the module ID in the authorization request.

The server 130 sends (1008), via a long-range communication capability(e.g., GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, or the like), an authorization grant token tothe mobile device 150. In some implementations, the server 130 does notsend the authorization grant token if the authorization code in theauthorization request cannot be decrypted with the shared secret keycorresponding to the payment module 100 (e.g., the authorization code iscorrupted or hacked). In some implementations, the server 130 does notsend the authorization grant token if the user associated with the userID in the authorization request does not have sufficient funds inhis/her account. In some implementations, in addition to theauthorization grant token, the server 130 sends a message directly tothe mobile device 150 which is not encrypted with the shared secret keycorresponding to the payment module 100. After receiving the message,the mobile device 150 displays an appropriate message to the user suchas insufficient balance or declined authorization. In someimplementations, the server 130 sends an authorization grant token foran amount equal to zero; in which case, the payment module 100interprets this as a declined or failed authorization which can resultfor any number of reasons including, but not limited to, insufficientbalance or credit.

The mobile device 150 receives the authorization grant token, and,subsequently, the mobile device 150 detects (1010) a trigger condition.In some implementations, the mobile device 150 (or the application 140)detects the trigger condition via the hand-free mode (e.g., uponentrance into the payment zone of the payment module 100) or manual mode(e.g., interacting with the user interface of the application 140 toinitiate a transaction with the payment accepting unit associated withthe payment module 100).

In some implementations, unused authorization grants (e.g., if there wasno trigger condition or it expired) are canceled by the mobile device150 by sending a cancellation message to the server 130 corresponding tothe unused authorization grant. In some implementations, the server 130denies or limits the number of authorization grants sent to the mobiledevice 150 until it has received transaction information or cancellationof authorization outstanding authorization grants sent to the mobiledevice 150.

In response to detecting the trigger condition, the mobile device 150sends (1012), via a short-range communication capability (e.g., BLE),the authorization grant token to the payment module 100. Subsequently,the machine 120 displays credit to the user (e.g., via one of thedisplays 122 or 124 shown in FIG. 19) and the user interacts with theinput mechanisms of the machine 120 (e.g., via the buttons 126 or atouch screen display 124 shown in FIG. 19) to purchase products and/orservices.

FIG. 24A illustrates a block diagram of a packet 1100 of informationbroadcast by the payment module 100 (e.g., in step 1002 of the process1000 in FIG. 23) in accordance with some implementations. In someimplementations, the packet 1100 at least includes: module ID 1102 andauthorization code 1104. In some implementations, the packet 110additional includes: a firmware version 1106 and one or more statusflags 1108.

In some implementations, the module ID 1102 is a unique identifiercorresponding to the payment module 100 (sometimes also herein calledthe “adapter module 100”) that broadcast the packet 1100.

In some implementations, the authorization code 1104 is a hash value incleartext. In some implementations, the payment module 100 randomly orpseudo-randomly generates a number or determines a sequential number(See step 1002 of process 1000 in FIG. 23) and performs a predeterminedhash function (e.g., SHA-256) on the number to produce the hash value asthe authorization code 1104. In some implementations, the authorizationcode 1104 is a unique code that is encrypted with a secret encryptionkey corresponding to the payment module 100. The secret encryption keyis shared with the server 130, which enables the server 130 to decryptthe authorization code 1104 and encrypt the authorization grant tokenbut not the mobile device 150. In some implementations, the encryptionbetween server 130 and payment module 100 is accomplished by two pairsof public/private keys.

In some implementations, the firmware version information 1106identifies a current firmware version 1112 of the payment module 100. Insome implementations, the firmware version information 1106 alsoincludes update status information 1114 indicating one or more packetsreceived by the payment module 100 to update the firmware or one or morepackets needed by the payment module 100 to update the firmware. In someimplementations, the one or more status flags 1108 indicate a state ofthe payment module 100 and/or the payment accepting unit 120 associatedwith the payment module 100. In some implementations, the one or morestatus flags 1108 indicate a state of the payment module 100 such uploadinformation indicator 1116 indicating that the payment module 100 hasinformation to be uploaded to the server 130 (e.g., transactioninformation for one or more interrupted transactions). In someimplementations, upload information indicator 1116 triggers the mobiledevice 150 to connect to payment module 100 immediately (e.g., if it hasinterrupted transaction information to be uploaded to the server 130).In some implementations, the one or more status flags 1108 indicate astate of the payment accepting unit 120 including one or more of anerror indicator 1118 (e.g., indicating that a bill and/or coin acceptorof the payment accepting unit 120 is experiencing a jam, error code, ormalfunction), a currency level indicator 1120 (e.g., indicating that thelevel of the bill and/or coin acceptor reservoir of the paymentaccepting unit 120 is full or empty), and/or inventory level(s)indicator 1122 (e.g., indicating that one or more products of thepayment accepting unit 120. In some implementations, the one or morestatus flags 1108 are error codes issued by payment accepting unit 120over the MDB.

In some implementations, the zone criteria information 1110 specifies anauthorization zone criterion 1124 (e.g., a baseline authorization zonethreshold indicating a baseline RSSI that the mobile device 150 (or theapplication 140) is required to observe before being within theauthorization zone of the payment module 100) and/or a payment zonecriterion 1126 (e.g., a baseline payment zone threshold indicating abaseline RSSI that the mobile device 150 (or the application 140) isrequired to observe before being within the payment zone of the paymentmodule 100). In some implementations, the baseline authorization zonethreshold and the baseline payment zone threshold are default valuesdetermined by the server 130 or stored as variables by the application140, in which case the authorization zone criterion 1124 and paymentzone criterion 1126 are offsets to compensate for the strength and/orreception of the short-range communication capability (e.g., BLEradio/transceiver) of the payment module 100. Alternatively, zonecriteria information 1110 includes a spread between the baselineauthorization zone threshold and the baseline payment zone threshold.Thus, the mobile device 150 (or the application 140) determines thebaseline authorization zone threshold and the baseline payment zonethreshold based on the spread value and a default value for either thebaseline authorization zone threshold or the baseline payment zonethreshold. For example, the spread indicates −10 db and the defaultbaseline payment zone threshold is −90 db; thus, the baselineauthorization zone threshold is −80 db. Continuing with this example,after determining the baseline authorization zone threshold and thebaseline payment zone threshold, the mobile device 150 (or theapplication 140) may further adjust the authorization zone thresholdand/or the payment zone threshold based on the strength and/or receptionof its short-range communication capability (i.e., BLEradio/transceiver).

FIG. 24B is a block diagram of an authorization request 1130 sent by themobile device 150 to the server 130 (e.g., in step 1004 of the process1000 in FIG. 23) in accordance with some implementations. In someimplementations, the authorization request 1130 at least includes: amodule ID 1102, a user ID 1134, and an authorization code 1104.

In some implementations, the module ID 1102 is a unique identifiercorresponding to the payment module 100 that broadcast the 1100 thatincluded the authorization code 1104.

In some implementations, the user ID 1134 is an identifier associatedwith the user of the mobile device 150 sending the authorization request1130 to the server 130. In some implementations, the user ID 1134 isassociated with the user account under which the user of the mobiledevice 150 is logged into the application 140.

In some implementations, the authorization code 1130 includes theauthorization code 1104 included in the packet 1100 of information thatwas broadcast by the payment module 100.

FIG. 24C is a block diagram of an authorization grant token 1140 sent bythe server 130 to the mobile device 150 (e.g., in step 1008 of theprocess 1000 in FIG. 23) in accordance with some implementations. Insome implementations, in accordance with a determination that theauthorization code 1136 included in the authorization request 1130 fromthe mobile device 150 is valid and that the user associated with themobile device 150 has sufficient funds in his/her account for thepayment processing system, the server 130 generates the authorizationgrant token 1140. In some implementations, the authorization grant token1140 at least includes: a module ID 1102, a user ID 1134, an authorizedamount 1146, (optionally) an expiration period offset 1148, and(optionally) the authorization code 1104.

In some implementations, the module ID 1102 is a unique identifiercorresponding to the payment module 100 that broadcast the packet 1100that included the authorization code 1104.

In some implementations, the user ID 1134 is an identifier associatedwith the user of the mobile device 150 that sent the authorizationrequest 1130 to the server 130.

In some implementations, the authorized amount 1146 indicates a maximumamount for which the user of the mobile device 150 is authorized for atransaction using the authorization grant token 1140. For example, theauthorized amount 1146 is predefined by the user of the mobile device150 or by the server 130 based on a daily limit or based on the user'stotal account balance or based on a risk profile of the user correspondto the user ID 1134.

In some implementations, the expiration period 1148 offset indicates anoffset to the amount of time that the payment module 100 holds theauthorization grant token 1140 valid for initiation of a transactionwith the machine 120 associated with the payment module 100. Forexample, the expiration period offset 1148 depends on the history andcredit of the user of mobile device 150 or a period predefined by theuser of mobile device 150.

In some implementations, the authorization grant token 1140 furtherincludes the authorization code 1104 that was included in theauthorization request 1130. In some implementations, when theauthorization code 1104 is the hash value, the server 130 encrypts theauthorization grant token 1140 including the hashed value with theshared secret encryption key associated with payment module 100.Subsequently, when mobile device 150 sends the authorization grant token1140 to payment module 100 after detecting a trigger condition, thepayment module 100 decrypts the authorization grant token 1140 using thesecret key known only to server 130 and payment module 100 (whichauthenticates the message and the authorization grant), and then matchesthe hash value included in the decrypted authorization grant token 1140to previously broadcast valid (unexpired) hash values (i.e., auth codes)to determine validity of the (which was known only by payment module100).

FIG. 24D illustrates a block diagram of transaction information 1150generated by the payment module 100 (e.g., in step 1254 of the process1250 in FIG. 25B) in accordance with some implementations. In someimplementations, the transaction information 1150 includes: atransaction ID 1152 for the respective transaction, a module ID 1154, auser ID 1156, (optionally) the authorization code 1158, transactionstatus information 1160, the transaction amount 1162, and otherinformation 1164.

In some implementations, the transaction ID 1152 is a unique identifiercorresponding to the respective transaction. In some implementations,the transaction ID 1152 is encoded based on or associated with the timeand/or date on which and the location at which the respectivetransaction took place.

In some implementations, the module ID 1154 is a unique identifiercorresponding to the payment module 100 that performed the respectivetransaction.

In some implementations, the user ID 1156 is an identifier associatedwith the user of the mobile device 150 that initiated the respectivetransaction.

In some implementations, the authorization code 1158 corresponds to theoriginal authorization code (e.g., auth code 1104, FIGS. 24 A-24C)and/or authorization grant token (e.g., auth grant token 1140, FIG. 24C)that was used to initiate the respective transaction. In someimplementations, the authorization code 1156 is encrypted with a uniqueencryption key corresponding to the payment module 100.

In some implementations, the transaction status information 1160includes an indication whether the respective transaction was completed,not-completed, or aborted. For example, the respective transaction isincomplete if a jam occurred at the payment accepting unit 120 and theuser did not receive the product associated with the respectivetransaction. For example, if the user walks away from the paymentaccepting unit 120 after money was credited for the respectivetransaction, the respective transaction is aborted. In another example,if respective transaction times out after a predetermined time periodbecause the user failed to select a product at the payment acceptingunit 120, the respective transaction is aborted. In another example, ifthe user actuates a bill or coin return mechanism of the paymentaccepting unit 120, the respective transaction is aborted.

In some implementations, the transaction amount 1162 indicates theamount of the respective transaction or the amount of each of multipletransactions (e.g., in a multi-vend scenario). In some implementations,the transaction amount 1162 is encrypted with a unique encryption keycorresponding to the payment module 100.

In some implementations, the other information 1164 includes otherinformation related to the respective transaction such as the itemsdispensed by the payment accepting unit 120 and the type of transaction(e.g., coins, bills, credit card, manual mode, hands-free mode, etc.).In some implementations, the other information 1164 includes otherinformation related to the payment module 100 and/or the paymentaccepting unit 120 associated with the payment module 100. For example,the other information 1164 includes a verification request to the server130 in order to implement new firmware. In another example, the otherinformation 1164 includes transaction information from one or moreprevious interrupted transactions. In another example, the otherinformation 1164 includes transaction information for one or moretransactions paid via bills and/or coins. In another example, the otherinformation 1164 includes inventory information as to one or moreproducts of the payment accepting unit 120.

FIG. 25A illustrates a schematic flow diagram of a process 1200 forproviding a representation of a machine event at a mobile device inaccordance with some implementations. In some implementations, thepayment processing system includes one or more payment modules 100(e.g., each associated with a respective payment accepting unit 120 suchan automatic retailing machine for dispensing goods and/or services),one or more mobile devices 150 (e.g., each executing the application 140for the payment processing system either as a foreground or backgroundprocess), and the server 130. The server 130 manages the paymentprocessing system and, in some cases, supplies, operates, and/ormanufactures the one or more payment modules 100. For brevity, theprocess 1200 will be described with respect to a respective paymentmodule 100 associated with a respective payment accepting unit 120(sometimes also herein called the “machine 120”) and a respective mobiledevice 150 in the payment processing system.

In some implementations, the process 1200 occurs after the mobile device150 sends the AuthGrant in FIG. 8C. In some implementations, the process1200 occurs after the mobile device 150 sends the authorization grant tothe payment module 100 in operation 1012 of process 1000 in FIG. 23.

The payment module 100 obtains (1202) an indication corresponding to anevent at the machine 120. For example, after the process 1000 in FIG.23, the user of the mobile device 150 selects a product to purchase fromthe machine 120 by interacting with one or more input mechanisms of themachine 120 (e.g., buttons 126 or a touch screen display 124 shown inFIG. 19), and the machine 120 dispenses the selected product. Continuingwith this example, after the product is dispensed, the transaction iscomplete and the payment module 100 obtains an indication from themachine of the completed transaction. In some implementations, theindication includes the amount of the transaction and (optionally)machine status information associated with the machine 120 such asinventory information as to one or more products of the paymentaccepting unit 120 and/or the like. In some implementations, theindication includes status information indicating that the transactionwas aborted (e.g., via actuation of a coin return mechanism at themachine 120) or that there was an error with the transaction (e.g., avending jam or other malfunction with the machine 120).

After obtaining the indication corresponding to completion of the firsttransaction, the payment module 100 generates (1204) a notificationcorresponding to the event at the machine 120.

The payment module 100 sends (1206), via a short-range communicationcapability (e.g., BLE), the notification to the mobile device 150. Insome embodiments, in addition to the notification corresponding to theevent at machine 120, the payment module 100 sends a promotion oradvertisement to the mobile device 150 that is targeted to the user ofthe mobile device 150 based on the transaction or the user ID includedin the AuthGrant or authorization grant token that initiated thetransaction. In some embodiments, in addition to the notificationcorresponding to the event at machine 120, the payment module 100 sendsa pseudo randomly selected promotion or advertisement to the mobiledevice 150 that is selected from a set of promotions or advertisementsstored by the payment module 100. For example, the promotion is a couponfor a free soda following the purchase of ten sodas from the machine 120by the user of the mobile device 150. For example, the promotion is arandom 50% off coupon or free soda coupon. For example, the transactioncorresponds to a vended soda and the advertisement corresponds to a newsoda from the same company that produces the vended soda.

The mobile device 150 provides (1208) a representation of thenotification. For example, in FIG. 26A, the mobile device 150 displaysuser interface 1302 on touch screen 152 with a message 1306 thatindicates that the first transaction is complete. For example, in FIG.26C, the mobile device 150 displays user interface 1320 on touch screen152 with a message 1322 that indicates that the transaction was aborted.For example, in FIG. 26D, the mobile device 150 displays user interface1330 on touch screen 152 with a message 1332 that indicates that therewas an error with the transaction. For example, the mobile device 150also displays a representation of the promotion of advertisement on theuser interface for the application 140.

FIG. 25B illustrates a schematic flow diagram of a process 1250 forprocessing acknowledgement information in accordance with someimplementations. In some implementations, the payment processing systemincludes one or more payment modules 100 (e.g., each associated with arespective payment accepting unit 120 such an automatic retailingmachine for dispensing goods and/or services), one or more mobiledevices 150 (e.g., each executing the application 140 for the paymentprocessing system either as a foreground or background process), and theserver 130. The server 130 manages the payment processing system and, insome cases, supplies, operates, and/or manufactures the one or morepayment modules 100. For brevity, the process 1250 will be describedwith respect to a respective payment module 100 associated with arespective payment accepting unit 120 (machine 120) and a respectivemobile device 150 in the payment processing system.

In some implementations, the process 1250 occurs after the mobile device150 sends the AuthGrant in FIG. 8C. In some implementations, the process1250 occurs after the mobile device 150 sends the authorization grant tothe payment module 100 in operation 1012 of process 1000 in FIG. 23.

The payment module 100 obtains (1252) an indication corresponding tocompletion of a first transaction from the machine 120. For example,after the process 1000 in FIG. 23, the user of the mobile device 150selects a product to purchase from the machine 120 by interacting withone or more input mechanisms of the machine 120 (e.g., buttons 126 or atouch screen display 124 shown in FIG. 19), and the machine 120dispenses the selected product. Continuing with this example, after theproduct is dispensed, the transaction is complete and the payment module100 obtains an indication from the machine of the completed transaction.In some implementations, the indication includes the amount of thetransaction and (optionally) machine status information associated withthe machine 120 such as inventory information as to one or more productsof the payment accepting unit 120 and/or the like.

After obtaining the indication corresponding to completion of the firsttransaction, the payment module 100 generates (1254) a firstnotification with first transaction information based on the indication,and the payment module 100 stores the first transaction information. Insome implementations, the first transaction information includes atransaction ID for the first transaction, a module ID corresponding topayment module 100, a user ID corresponding to the mobile device 150,transaction status information indicating that the first transaction iscomplete, and the transaction amount indicated by the indication. Insome implementations, the payment module 100 retains the authorizationcode included in the original broadcasted packet and/or theauthorization grant token and includes the authorization code in thefirst transaction information. In some implementations, theauthorization code is encrypted with a secret key corresponding to thepayment module 100, which is shared with the server 130 but not themobile device 150. In some implementations, the first transactioninformation further includes other information such as the machinestatus information included in the first notification or transactioninformation corresponding to previous interrupted transaction(s). SeeFIG. 24D and the accompanying text for further discussion regardingtransaction information 1150.

The payment module 100 sends (1256), via a short-range communicationcapability (e.g., BLE), the first notification with first transactioninformation to the mobile device 150. In some embodiments, in additionto first transaction information corresponding to completion of thefirst transaction at machine 120, the first notification includes apromotion or advertisement to the mobile device 150 that is targeted tothe user of the mobile device 150 based on the transaction or the userID included in the AuthGrant or authorization grant token that initiatedthe transaction. In some embodiments, in addition to first transactioninformation corresponding to completion of the first transaction atmachine 120, the first notification includes a pseudo randomly selectedpromotion or advertisement to the mobile device 150 that is selectedfrom a set of promotions or advertisements stored by the payment module100. For example, the promotion is a coupon for a free soda followingthe purchase of ten sodas from the machine 120 by the user of the mobiledevice 150. For example, the promotion is a random 50% off coupon orfree soda coupon. For example, the transaction corresponds to a vendedsoda and the advertisement corresponds to a new soda from the samecompany that produces the vended soda.

The mobile device 150 provides (1258) a representation of the firstnotification. For example, in FIG. 26A, the mobile device 150 displaysuser interface 1302 on touch screen 152 with a message 1306 thatindicates that the first transaction is complete. For example, themobile device 150 also displays a representation of the promotion ofadvertisement on the user interface for the application 140.

The mobile device 150 sends (1260), via a long-range communicationcapability (e.g., GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, or the like), the first transactioninformation to the server 130.

The server 130 processes (1262) the first transaction information. Forexample, the server 130 debits the account of the user associated withthe user ID in the first transaction information in the amount indicatedby the first transaction information.

The server 130 sends (1264), via a long-range communication capability(e.g., GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, or the like), first acknowledgment informationto the mobile device 150. In some implementations, the firstacknowledgment information acknowledges that the server 130 received thefirst transaction information. In some implementations, the firstacknowledgment information includes the user ID, the module ID, thetransaction ID, and (optionally) the authorization grant included in thetransaction information (e.g., auth grant 1158, FIG. 24D).

After receiving the first acknowledgement information, the mobile device150 sends (1266), via a short-range communication capability (e.g.,BLE), the first acknowledgment information to the payment module 100.

After receiving the first acknowledgment information, the payment module100 deletes (1268) the stored first transaction information.

Attention is now directed towards implementations of user interfaces andassociated processes that may be implemented on the mobile device 150with zero or more speakers, zero or more microphones, and a display. Forexample, the display is a touch screen (sometimes also herein called a“touch screen display”) enabled to receive one or more contacts anddisplay information (e.g., media content, websites and web pagesthereof, user interface for the application 140, and/or user interfacesfor applications). FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate example user interfaces forproviding a representation of a machine event at a mobile device inaccordance with some implementations.

FIGS. 26A-26D show user interfaces displayed on mobile device 150 (e.g.,a mobile phone); however, one skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe user interfaces shown in FIGS. 26A-26D may be implemented on othersimilar computing devices. The user interfaces in FIGS. 26A-26D are usedto illustrate the processes described herein, including the processdescribed with respect to FIGS. 25A-25B and 27A-27B.

For example, a user of the mobile device 150 approaches a machine 120(e.g., vending machine 78×928 as shown in FIGS. 10A-10D) and executesapplication 140 on the mobile device 150 so as to perform an electronictransaction with the machine 120. For example, with reference to FIGS.10C-10D, the user of the mobile device 150 initiates a transaction withthe machine 120 (e.g., vending machine 78×928) by performing a swipegesture at a location corresponding to the representation of the dollarbill (e.g., a substantially vertical swipe gesture from a locationcorresponding to the representation of the dollar bill to the top edgeof the mobile device 150).

FIG. 26A illustrates the mobile device 150 displaying a user interface1302 of the application 140 on touch screen 152 after the user of themobile device 150 initiates and performs a transaction with the machine120. In FIG. 26A, the user interface 1302 includes prepaid balance 1304which indicates that $1.00 has been deducted from the prepaid balanceafter performing a transaction with the machine 120 as compared to theprepaid balance in FIG. 10C-10D (i.e., $9.00 in FIGS. 10C-10D and $8.00in FIG. 26A). In FIG. 26A, the user interface 1302 also includes amessage 1306 indicating that the transaction with the machine 120 iscomplete.

FIG. 26B illustrates the mobile device 150 displaying a user interface1310 of the application 140 on touch screen 152 after the user of themobile device 150 initiates a transaction with the machine 120 and anerror with the transaction occurs or the transaction is aborted. In FIG.26B, the user interface 1310 shows the representation of the dollar billsliding onto the touch screen 152 (e.g., in a substantially top tobottom manner). In FIG. 26B, the interface 1310 includes prepaid balance1312 which indicates that no money has been deducted from the prepaidbalance after performing a transaction with the machine 120 as comparedto the prepaid balance in FIG. 10C-10D (i.e., $9.00 in FIGS. 10C-10D and$9.00 in FIG. 26B).

FIG. 26C illustrates the mobile device 150 displaying a user interface1320 of the application 140 on touch screen 152 after the representationof the dollar bill slides onto the touch screen 152 in FIG. 26B due tothe transaction being aborted. For example, the user aborts thetransaction by actuating a coin return mechanism of the machine 120. Inanother example, the user aborts the transaction by selection an abortaffordance on the interface of the application 140 (not shown). In FIG.26C, the user interface 1320 includes a message 1322 indicating that thetransaction with the machine 120 was aborted and that the user's accountwas not debited for the aborted transaction.

FIG. 26D illustrates the mobile device 150 displaying a user interface1330 of the application 140 on touch screen 152 after the representationof the dollar bill slides onto the touch screen 152 in FIG. 26B due tothe occurrence of an error with the transaction. For example, amalfunction with the machine 120 (e.g., a vending jam or stuck item)causes the error to occur. In FIG. 26D, the user interface 1330 isassociated with the application 140 executed on the mobile device 150.In FIG. 26D, the user interface 1330 includes a message 1332 indicatingthat an error occurred during the transaction with the machine 120 andthat the user's account was not debited for the transaction.

FIGS. 27A-27B illustrate a flowchart diagram of a method 1400 ofpresenting representations of payment accepting unit events inaccordance with some implementations. In some implementations, themethod 1400 is performed by a device with one or more processors,memory, one or more output devices, and two or more communicationcapabilities. For example, in some implementations, the method 1400 isperformed by the mobile device 150 (FIGS. 5 and 21) or a componentthereof (e.g., the application 140). In some implementations, the method1400 is governed by instructions that are stored in a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium (e.g., the memory 860, FIG. 21) and theinstructions are executed by one or more processors (e.g., theprocessing unit 850, FIG. 21) of the device. Optional operations areindicated by dashed lines (e.g., boxes with dashed-line borders).

After sending a request to a payment module via a first communicationcapability transaction to initiate a transaction with a paymentaccepting unit (e.g., an offline-payment operated machine such as avending machine or kiosk) associated with the payment module, the mobiledevice obtains (1402) a notification from the payment module via thefirst communication capability, where the notification indicates anevent at the payment accepting unit associated with the payment module.In some implementations, method 1400 occurs after the mobile device 150sends the AuthGrant in FIG. 8C. In some implementations, method 1400occurs after the mobile device 150 sends the authorization grant to thepayment module 100 in operation 1012 of process 1000 in FIG. 23.Operation 1206 of FIG. 25A, for example, shows the mobile device 150receiving a notification sent by the payment module 100 (e.g., theadapter module 100, FIGS. 5 and 20) sent via the first communicationcapability (e.g., a short-range communication technology/protocol suchas BLE). The notification indicates an event at the payment acceptingunit (e.g., the payment accepting unit 120, FIGS. 5 and 19) (sometimesalso herein called “machine 120”) associated with the payment module100.

In some implementations, the first communication capability corresponds(1404) to a short-range communication protocol. As described above, theshort-range communication protocols include BLE, NFC, and/or otherprotocols utilizing non-persistent communication channels.

In response to obtaining the notification, the mobile device provides(1406) a representation of the notification to a user of the mobiledevice via the one or more output devices of the mobile device. Forexample, in FIG. 26A, the mobile device 150 displays user interface 1302on touch screen 152 with a message 1306 that indicates that the firsttransaction is complete. For example, in FIG. 26C, the mobile device 150displays user interface 1320 on touch screen 152 with a message 1322that indicates that the transaction was aborted. For example, in FIG.26D, the mobile device 150 displays user interface 1330 on touch screen152 with a message 1332 that indicates that there was an error with thetransaction.

In some implementations, the one or more output devices of the mobiledevice include (1408) at least one of: a display, one or more speakers,one or more LEDs, and a vibration mechanism. For example, the mobiledevice 150 includes one or more of a display (e.g., the touch screen152, FIGS. 10A-10D), one or more speakers, one or more LEDs, and avibration mechanism.

In some implementations, the representation of the notification is atleast one of (1410): a message displayed on the display of the mobiledevice; a banner notification displayed on a display of the mobiledevice; a vibration alert from the vibration mechanism of the mobiledevice; an aural alert from the one or more speakers of the mobiledevice; and a visual alert from the one or more LEDs of the mobiledevice. For example, in FIGS. 26B-26D, the representation of thenotification includes messages 1306, 1322, and 1332 displayed on thetouch screen 152 of the mobile device 150. In another example, therepresentation of the notification is a predefined sequence ofvibrations provided by the vibration mechanism of the mobile device 150.In another example, the representation of the notification is apredefined sequence of tones provided by the one or more speakers of themobile device 150. In another example, the representation of thenotification is a predefined sequence of blinking LEDs of the mobiledevice 150.

In some implementations, the notification indicates (1412) abortion of atransaction initiated by the user of the mobile device. In FIG. 26C, forexample, the user interface 1320 includes the message 1322 indicatingthat the transaction has been aborted. For example, the user aborts thetransaction by actuating a coin return mechanism of the machine 120. Inanother example, the user aborts the transaction by selection an abortaffordance on the interface of the application 140 (not shown).

In some implementations, the notification indicates (1414) completion ofa transaction between the user of the mobile device and the paymentaccepting unit. In FIG. 26A, for example, the user interface 1302includes the message 1306 indicating that completion of the transactionwith the machine 120 initiated by the user of the mobile device 150.

In some implementations, the notification indicating completion of thetransaction at least includes (1416) an amount of the completedtransaction. In FIG. 26A, for example, the user interface 1302 includesprepaid balance 1304 which indicates that $1.00 has been deducted fromthe prepaid balance after performing a transaction with the machine 120as compared to the prepaid balance in FIG. 10C-10D (i.e., $9.00 in FIGS.10C-10D and $8.00 in FIG. 26A).

In some implementations, the mobile device sends (1418) at least aportion of the notification to a server via a second communicationcapability distinct from the first communication capability. Operation1260 of FIG. 25B, for example, shows the mobile device 150 sending firsttransaction information to the server 130 for a completed transactionvia the second communication capability (e.g., a long-rangecommunication protocols such as Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, and/or the like). Forexample, the first transaction information at least includes the amountof the first completed transaction.

In some implementations, the first communication capability corresponds(1420) to a short-range communication protocol and the secondcommunication capability corresponds to a long-range communicationprotocol. For example, the first communication capability of the mobiledevice 150 is a radio/transceiver means for communicating via one ormore short-range communication protocols such as BLE, NFC, and/or thelike (i.e., a non-persistent communication channel). For example, thesecond communication capability of the mobile device 150 is aradio/transceiver means for communicating via one or more long-rangecommunication protocols such as Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, and/or the like.

In some implementations, the notification indicates (1422) failure of atransaction initiated by the user of the mobile device or a malfunctionassociated with the payment accepting unit. In FIG. 26D, for example,the user interface 1330 includes the message 1332 indicating that therewas an error with the transaction. For example, the transaction failsdue to a vending jam or other malfunction. In another example, thepayment accepting unit experiences a malfunction due to an open door orthe like. In some implementations, at least a portion of thefailure/malfunction notification is sent to the sever 130 and an alertis subsequently sent to the operator of the payment accepting unit(e.g., the machine 120) by the server 130.

It should be understood that the particular order in which theoperations in FIGS. 27A-27B have been described is merely for examplepurposes and is not intended to indicate that the described order is theonly order in which the operations could be performed. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize various ways to reorder the operationsdescribed herein. Additionally, it should be noted that details of otherprocesses described herein with respect to other methods describedherein are also applicable in an analogous manner to the method 1400described above with respect to FIGS. 27A-27B.

FIG. 28A illustrates a block diagram of an offline-payment operatedmachine 1500 in accordance with some implementations. For example, theoffline-payment operated machine 1500 (e.g., a form of the machine 120)is an electro-mechanical machine capable of accepting currency (e.g.,coins), which is not connected to any networks (e.g., telephone,cellular, or Wi-Fi). For example, the offline-payment operated machine1500 is a washer or dryer at a laundromat, a parking meter, a car washpayment kiosk, a video gaming console (i.e., a coin-operated arcadegame), a coin-operated pool table, a coin-operated dart machine, acoin-operation vacuum or air pump (such as those commonly found at gasstations), or other offline-payment operated machine that dispensesgoods (e.g., products stocked by the machine 1500) and/or providesservices (e.g., allows a user to use the services, such as playing avideo game, using the washer or dryer, etc.). Offline-payment operatedmachines are, in some circumstances, unattended in the sense that nooperator is physically near the machine while the machine is operatingnormally. Therefore, these machines are also referred to herein as“unattended machines,” “unattended coin-operated machines,” and“unattended offline-payment operated machines.”

In FIG. 28A, the offline-payment operated machine 1500 includes amicroswitch 1502, a control unit 1506, a power supply 1508, a transistor1510, and an operation unit 1512. The components of the offline-paymentoperated machine 1500 in FIG. 28A are examples and one of skill in theart will appreciate that various other components may be included in orexcluded from the offline-payment operated machine 1500.

In FIG. 28A, the microswitch 1502 is a leveraged microswitch with lever1504. For example, the microswitch 1502 is a CHERRY BRAND™ microswitchwith a normally open terminal (“NO”), a normally closed terminal (“NC”),and a common terminal. For example, the lever 1504 is incorporated intoa coin slot of the offline-payment operated machine 1500 and isdepressed whenever a coin slides down the coin slot into a coinreservoir of the offline-payment operated machine 1500 (not shown). Forexample, when the lever 1504 is depressed and the microswitch 1502 iswired in the NO configuration as shown in FIG. 28A, the switch isclosed. Continuing with this example, when the switch is closed, controlunit 1506 receives a pulse (i.e., a payment acceptance signal) from thecommon terminal of the microswitch 1502 indicating depression of thelever 1504 from the reception of a US quarter (i.e., $0.25) or coin ofanother value.

In some implementations, when the control unit 1506 receives a presetsequence of payment acceptance signals indicative of a preset number ofcoins being received by the microswitch 1502, the control unit 1506initiates the operation of the offline-payment operated machine 1500.For example, after receiving the preset sequence of payment acceptancesignals (e.g., three pulses indicating reception of three US quarters),the control unit 1506 initiates operation of the offline-paymentoperated machine 1500 by applying current to the gate of the transistor1510 which allows current to flow from the power supply 1508 tooperation unit 1512. For example, the operation unit 1512 is a motor ofa dryer which begins spinning once current flows from the power supply1508.

In FIG. 28A, payment module 1520 (e.g., a form of the adapter module100, FIGS. 5 and 20) is configured to be installed in theoffline-payment operated machine 1500 so as to retrofit theoffline-payment operated machine 1500 to be able to accept electronicpayments. In some implementations, the payment module 1520 is referredto herein as a pulse-providing device 1520 (as discussed below inreference to FIGS. 31-33). In some implementations, the payment module1520 includes all or some of the components included in adapter module100 in FIG. 20 such as processing unit 750, memory 760, a security unit755, and a communications unit 770. In some implementations, the paymentmodule 1520 also includes a first interface module 1522, a secondinterface module 1524, and a lead 1536 for drawing power from powersupply 1508 of the offline-payment operated machine 1500.

In FIG. 28A, the first interface module 1522 is configured to samplepayment acceptance signals from the microswitch 1502 (e.g., a coinreceiving switch) via lead 1532 of the offline-payment operated machine1500. For example, the payment acceptance signals are indicative of acoin being received by the microswitch 1502 which depress lever 1504. InFIG. 28A, the second interface module 1524 is configured to samplecontrol signals from the control unit 1506 of the offline-paymentoperated machine 1500 via lead 1534 that initiates an operation of theoffline-payment operated machine (e.g., the application of current tothe gate of the transistor 1510) in response to receiving a presetsequence of payment acceptance signals from the microswitch 1502 (e.g.,the coin receiving switch) indicative of the preset number of coins.

In some implementations, even though a particular unattended machine(e.g., 1500, FIG. 28A) is not connected to any network and an operatoris not located in proximity to the particular unattended machine, theunattended machine is still able accept remotely-configured options(e.g., multi-credit pricing options) that are configured at a server andsent to the pulse-providing device 1520 that is coupled with theparticular unattended machine via an encrypted exchange of informationwith a mobile phone. In some implementations, the encrypted exchange ofinformation includes instructions or data that allow the pulse-providingdevice 1520 to provide electric pulses that are determined in accordancewith a remotely-configured option that is selected by a user of mobiledevice (e.g., via a user interface display in an application 140, aspictured in FIG. 32). Additional details are also provided below inreference to FIGS. 31-33.

FIG. 28B illustrates signals sampled by the payment module 1520 inaccordance with some implementations. In FIG. 28B, sample 1550represents a preset sequence of payment acceptance signals sampled bythe first interface module 1522 via lead 1532 that are sent from themicroswitch 1502 to the control unit 1506. For example, the presetsequence of payment acceptance signals indicative of the preset numberof coins include pulses (i.e., payment acceptance signals) 1552, 1554,1556, and 1558. For example, the leading edges of pulses 1552, 1554,1556, and 1558 at times 1582, 1584, 1586, and 1588 indicate reception ofa coin by microswitch 1502 which causes the switch to close when wiredin the NO configuration as shown in FIG. 28A. In FIG. 28B, sample 1570represents a control signal sampled by the second interface module 1524via lead 1534 that is sent from the control unit 1506 to transistor1510. In FIG. 28B, the sample 1570 includes a pulse 1572 that is sentfrom the control unit 1506 to transistor 1510 at time 1590 afterreceiving the preset sequence of payment acceptance signals from themicroswitch 1502 (i.e., pulses 1552, 1554, 1556, and 1558).

FIGS. 29A-29B illustrate a flowchart diagram of a method of retrofittingan offline-payment operated machine to accept electronic payments inaccordance with some implementations. In some implementations, themethod 1600 is performed by a payment module with one or more processorsand memory. In some implementations, the payment module also includes ashort-range communication capability corresponding to a short-rangecommunication protocol (e.g., a non-persistent communication channelsuch as BLE, NFC, and/or the like), where the short-range communicationcapability is configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices,where each of the one or more mobile devices is configured with acomplimentary short-range communication capability and a long-rangecommunication capability corresponding to a long-range communicationprotocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, and/or the like).

In some implementations, the payment module is coupled with anoffline-payment operated machine (e.g., the payment accepting unit 120,FIGS. 5 and 19 (sometimes also herein called “machine 120”), or theoffline-payment operated machine 1500, FIG. 28A) such as dryer or washerin a laundromat, a parking meter, a car wash payment kiosk, or the like.In some implementations, the offline-payment operated machine includes acoin receiving switch (e.g., the microswitch 1502, FIG. 28A) and acontrol unit (e.g., the control unit 1506, FIG. 28A). In someimplementations, the payment module further includes: (A) a firstinterface module (e.g., the first interface module 1522, FIG. 28A)configured to sample payment acceptance signals from the coin receivingswitch of the offline-payment operated machine, where the signals areindicative of a coin being received by the coin receiving switch; and(B) a second interface module (e.g., the second interface module 1524,FIG. 28A) configured to sample control signals from the control unit ofthe offline-payment operated machine that initiate an operation of theoffline-payment operated machine in response to receiving a presetsequence of payment acceptance signals from the coin receiving switchindicative of the preset number of coins. By sampling and storing thesesignals, the payment module 1520 is able to simulate operation of arespective coin receiving switch in response to receiving thecorrect/preset number of coins so as to trigger operation of theoffline-payment operated machine in response to completion of anelectronic payment.

For example, in some implementations, the method 1600 is performed bythe adapter module 100 (FIGS. 5 and 20) or payment module 1520 (FIG.28A). In some implementations, the method 1600 is governed byinstructions that are stored in a non-transitory computer readablestorage medium (e.g., the memory 760, FIG. 20) and the instructions areexecuted by one or more processors (e.g., the processing unit 750, FIG.20) of the payment module. Optional operations are indicated by dashedlines (e.g., boxes with dashed-line borders).

In some implementations, the payment module detects (1602), via thefirst interface module, a preset sequence of payment acceptance signalsfrom the coin receiving switch that causes the control unit to initiatethe operation of the offline-payment operated machine, where the presetsequence of payment acceptance signals are indicative of a preset numberof coins received by the coin receiving switch. For example, withreference to FIGS. 28A-28B, the first interface module 1522 of thepayment module 1520 samples payment acceptance signals via lead 1532from the microswitch 1502 to the control unit 1506. For example, each ofthe payment acceptance signals is indicative of reception of a coin bythe microswitch 1502. Continuing with this example, the second interfacemodule 1524 of the payment module 1520 samples control signals via lead1534 from the control unit 1506 to the transistor 1510. The paymentmodule 1520 detects a preset sequence of payment acceptance signals fromthe microswitch 1502 that causes the control unit 1506 to apply acurrent to the gate of the transistor 1510 (e.g., the control signals).For example, the preset sequence of payment acceptance signals isindicative of a preset number of coins received by the microswitch 1502to cause operation of the offline-payment operated machine 1500. Forexample, the application of current to the gate of the transistor 1510allows current to flow from the power supply 1508 to the operation unit1512 so that the operation. For example, the operation unit 1512 is amotor of a dryer which begins spinning once current flows from the powersupply 1508.

In some implementations, the payment module determines (1604) thepredefined signal sequence to emulate the preset sequence of paymentacceptance signals from the coin receiving switch. In someimplementations, after detecting the preset sequence of paymentacceptance signals that causes the control unit 1506 to initiate theoperation of the offline-payment operated machine 1500, the paymentmodule 1520 determines a predefined signal sequence to emulate thepreset sequence of payment acceptance signals. In some implementations,the money value associated with each pulse in the preset sequence ofpayment acceptance signals from the microswitch 1502, indicative of thepreset number of coins to initiate the operation of the offline-paymentoperated machine 1500, is a default currency (e.g., USD) and amount(e.g., $0.25) set in the firmware of the payment module 1520. In someimplementations, the money value associated with the each pulse in thepreset sequence of payment acceptance signals from the microswitch 1502,indicative of the preset number of coins to initiate the operation ofthe offline-payment operated machine 1500, is set by the server 130 andcan be changed remotely by using the mobile device 150 as acommunications bridge to send information indicating the value of apulse from the server 130 to the mobile device 150 via the secondcommunication capability (e.g., GSM, CDMA, or Wi-Fi) and forwarding theinformation from the mobile device to the payment module 1520 via thefirst communication capability (e.g., BLE). For instance, in most cases,each pulse is US $0.25. Additional details regarding remotelyconfiguring options for offline-payment operated machines are alsoprovided below in reference to FIGS. 31-33.

In some implementations, determining the predefined signal sequenceincludes (1606) at least one of: identifying a count of pulses in thepresent sequence of payment acceptance signals; identifying amplitude ofpulses in the present sequence of payment acceptance signals;identifying shape of pulses in the present sequence of paymentacceptance signals; and identifying an interval between pulses. In someimplementations, after detecting the preset sequence of paymentacceptance signals (e.g., the sample 1550, FIG. 28B), the payment module1520 determines a predefined signal sequence to emulate the presetsequence of payment acceptance signals by identifying a count of pulsesin the preset sequence of payment acceptance signals, an intervalbetween pulses in the preset sequence of payment acceptance signals, theshape of pulses in the preset sequence of payment acceptance signals,and an amplitude of pulses in the preset sequence of payment acceptancesignals.

The payment module receives (1608) a request via the short-rangecommunication capability from a respective mobile device to perform anoperation of the offline-payment operated machine. For example, withreference to FIG. 8C, the payment module 1520 (FIG. 28A) receives theAuthGrant from the mobile device 150 via the short-range communicationcapability (e.g., BLE) indicating that the user of the mobile device 150wishes to perform the operation of the offline-payment operated machine1500 (FIG. 28A). For example with reference to operation 1012 in FIG.23, the payment module 1520 (FIG. 28A) receives an authorization granttoken from the mobile device 150 via the short-range communicationcapability (e.g., BLE) indicating that the user of the mobile device 150wishes to perform the operation of the offline-payment operated machine1500 (FIG. 28A).

The payment module validates (1610) the request. Validation of therequest indicates (1612) that the respective mobile device is authorizedto initiate payment for the operation by a remote server via thelong-range communication capability. In some implementations, thepayment module 1520 validates the request from the mobile device 150 bydetermining whether the AuthGrant or the authorization grant tokenincludes a valid authorization code.

In accordance with a determination that the request is valid, thepayment module causes (1614) the payment operated machine to perform theoperation by issuing a predefined signal sequence to the control unit,where the predefined signal sequence emulates a signal sequence thatwould be issued by the coin receiving switch in response to receiving apreset number of coins. For example, with reference to FIG. 28B, thepayment module 1520 issues a predefined signal sequence with firstinterface module 1522 to the control unit 1506 that emulates sample 1550in FIG. 28B. Continuing with this example, in response to receiving thepredefined signal sequence from the payment module 1520 control unit1506 causes initiation of the operation of the offline-payment operatedmachine 1500 by applying current to the gate of the transistor 1510which allows current to flow from the power supply 1508 to operationunit 1512. In some implementations, the control unit 1506 causesinitiation of the operation by setting a timer to an amount of timecorresponding to the preset number of coins whereby current flows to thegate of the transistor 1510 for the set amount of time. For example, thepreset number of coins is a number of a coins required to run theoffline-payment operated machine 1500 by for a default amount of timeand subsequent coins may be added to extend the amount of time that theoffline-payment operated machine 1500 by will run. In someimplementations, the preset number of coins is a number of a coinsrequired to cause the offline-payment operated machine 1500 to dispensea purchased item, such as laundry detergent.

Alternatively, in some implementations, in accordance with adetermination that the request is valid, the offline-payment operatedmachine 1500 displays credit to the user (e.g., via one of the displays122 or 124 shown in FIG. 19) and the user interacts with the inputmechanisms of the offline-payment operated machine 1500 120 (e.g., viathe buttons 126 or a touch screen display 124 shown in FIG. 19) toperform the operation of the machine. For example, if theoffline-payment operated machine 1500 is a dryer, the user of the mobiledevice 150 selects the appropriate spin cycle via input mechanisms ofthe dryer, and when the user of the mobile device 150 selects astart/run input mechanism of the dryer, control unit 1506 of the dryercauses initiation of the operation of the dryer (e.g., starting a motorthat corresponds to operation unit 1512 in FIG. 28A).

In some implementations, instead of issuing the predefined signalsequence to the control unit, the pulse-providing device 1520 issues aremotely-configured signal sequence (i.e., configured remotely by anoperator and sent to the pulse-providing device 1520 via the mobiledevice with the authorization grant) that corresponds to paymentprovided by the user via the mobile device. In some implementations, theremotely-configured signal sequence does not correspond to thepredefined signal sequence for an equivalent number of coins. Forexample, if the user chooses to send a payment of one dollar to theunattended machine (via the pulse-providing device 1520), the predefinedsignal sequence observed by the pulse-providing device 1520 may indicatethat four predefined pulses are to be provided (in order to simulatepulses provided in response to the receipt of four quarters by theunattended machine, but instead of providing those four predefinedpulses, the pulse-providing device 1520 instead might sent fiveremotely-configured pulses. In this way, operators are able to easilyconfigure new pricing options, without having to physically interactedwith their remotely-located unattended machines. Additional details areprovided below in reference to FIGS. 31-33.

In some implementations, prior to sending the operation information andafter causing the offline-payment operated machine to perform theoperation by issuing the predefined signal sequence to the control unit,the payment module obtains (1616) a notification from theoffline-payment operated machine indicating initiation of the operationof the offline-payment operated machine and the preset number of coins.For example, after issuing the preset signal sequence to control unit1506, the payment module 1520 (FIG. 28A) obtains a notificationindicating that the control unit 1506 sent control signals to initiateoperation of the offline-payment operated machine 1500 in response toreceiving the predefined signal sequence. For example, the notificationis obtained by the second interface module 1524 (e.g., the sample 1570,FIG. 28B) sampling controls signals sent by control unit 1506 (e.g.,application of current to the gate of the transistor 1510 which allowscurrent to flow from the power supply 1508 to operation unit 1512).

In response to receiving the notification, the payment module (1618):generates the operation information based at least in part on thenotification; and stores the generated operation information in thememory. For example, after obtaining the notification, the paymentmodule 1520 (FIG. 28A) generates operation information corresponding toperformance of the operation and the preset number of coins associatedwith the predefined signal sequence (e.g., the amount required toinitiate operation of the offline-payment operated machine 1500) andstores the operation information in memory local to the payment module1520 (e.g., the memory 760, FIG. 20).

In some implementations, the payment module sends (1620) operationinformation corresponding to the operation to the respective mobiledevice via the short-range communication capability. For example, afteroperation 1618, the payment module 1520 (FIG. 28A) sends the operationinformation to the mobile device 150 via the first communicationcapability of the mobile device 150 such as a radio/transceiver meansfor communicating via one or more short-range communication protocolssuch as BLE, NFC, and/or the like (i.e., a non-persistent communicationchannel)

It should be understood that the particular order in which theoperations in FIGS. 29A-29B have been described is merely for examplepurposes and is not intended to indicate that the described order is theonly order in which the operations could be performed. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize various ways to reorder the operationsdescribed herein (e.g., by including details from the method 1700 inFIG. 30 and/or the method 3200 of FIG. 32). Additionally, it should benoted that details of other processes described herein with respect toother methods described herein (e.g., the method 1700 in FIG. 30 or themethod 3200 of FIG. 32) are also applicable in an analogous manner tothe method 1600 described above with respect to FIGS. 29A-29B.

FIG. 30 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method 1700 of enabling apayment operated machine to accept electronic payments in accordancewith some implementations. In some implementations, the method 1700 isperformed by an offline-payment operated machine (e.g., the paymentaccepting unit 120, FIGS. 5 and 19 (sometimes also herein called“machine 120”), or the offline-payment operated machine 1500, FIG. 28A)such as dryer or washer in a laundromat, a parking meter, a car washpayment kiosk, or the like.

In some implementations, the offline-payment operated machine includes acontrol unit (e.g., the control unit 1506, FIG. 28A), memory, and a coinreceiving switch (e.g., the microswitch 1502, FIG. 28A). In someimplementations, the offline-payment operated machine also includes ashort-range communication capability corresponding to a short-rangecommunication protocol (e.g., a non-persistent communication channelsuch as BLE, NFC, and/or the like), where the short-range communicationcapability is configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices,where each of the one or more mobile devices is configured with acomplimentary short-range communication capability and a long-rangecommunication capability corresponding to a long-range communicationprotocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, and/or the like). For example, in someimplementations, the method 1700 is performed by the machine 120, (FIGS.5 and 19). In some implementations, the method 1700 is governed byinstructions that are stored in a non-transitory computer readablestorage medium and the instructions are executed by the control unit ofthe offline-payment operated machine.

The offline-payment operated machine receives (1702) a request via ashort-range communication capability from a respective mobile device toperform an operation of the offline-payment operated machine. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 8C, the payment module 1520 (FIG. 28A)receives the AuthGrant from the mobile device 150 via the short-rangecommunication capability (e.g., BLE) indicating that the user of themobile device 150 wishes to perform the operation of the offline-paymentoperated machine 1500 (FIG. 28A). For example with reference tooperation 1012 in FIG. 23, the payment module 1520 (FIG. 28A) receivesan authorization grant token from the mobile device 150 via theshort-range communication capability (e.g., BLE) indicating that theuser of the mobile device 150 wishes to perform the operation of theoffline-payment operated machine 1500 (FIG. 28A).

The offline-payment operated machine validates (1704) the request.Validation of the request indicates (1706) that the respective mobiledevice is authorized to initiate payment for the operation by a remoteserver via the long-range communication capability. In someimplementations, the payment module 1520 validates the request from themobile device 150 by determining whether the AuthGrant or theauthorization grant token includes a valid authorization code.

In accordance with a determination that the request is valid, theoffline-payment operated machine performs (1708) the operation byissuing a predefined signal sequence to the control unit, where thepredefined signal sequence emulates a preset number of coins received bythe coin receiving switch. For example, in accordance with adetermination that the request is valid, the offline-payment operatedmachine or a component thereof issues a predefined signal sequence tothe control unit 1506 that emulates sample 1550 in FIG. 28B. Continuingwith this example, in response to receiving the predefined signalsequence from the payment module 1520, control unit 1506 causesinitiation of the operation of the offline-payment operated machine 1500by applying current to the gate of the transistor 1510 which allowscurrent to flow from the power supply 1508 to operation unit 1512. Inanother example, in accordance with a determination that the request isvalid, the control unit 1506 causes initiation of the operation of theoffline-payment operated machine 1500 by applying current to the gate ofthe transistor 1510 which allows current to flow from the power supply1508 to operation unit 1512.

It should be understood that the particular order in which theoperations in FIG. 30 have been described is merely for example purposesand is not intended to indicate that the described order is the onlyorder in which the operations could be performed. One of ordinary skillin the art would recognize various ways to reorder the operationsdescribed herein (e.g., by including details from the method 1600 or themethod 3200). Additionally, it should be noted that details of otherprocesses described herein with respect to other methods describedherein (e.g., the method 1600 in FIGS. 29A-29B and the method 3200 ofFIG. 32) are also applicable in an analogous manner to the method 1700described above with respect to FIG. 30.

FIG. 31 is a schematic flow diagram of a process 3100 for determiningelectric pulses to provide to an unattended machine based on remotelyconfigured options for the unattended machine, in accordance with someimplementations.

In some implementations, the process 3100 for determining electricpulses to provide to an unattended machine is performed via one or morecomponents of the payment processing systems described herein. As shownin FIG. 31, the one or more components include an unattended machine1500 (FIG. 28A), a module (e.g., a pulse-providing device 1520 that iscoupled with the unattended machine via an internal interface of theunattended machine), an application 140 (e.g., a mobile paymentapplication) that is executing on a mobile device 150, and a server 130.

In some implementations, the application 140 is in communication withthe pulse-providing device 1520 (e.g., via transmission of bluetoothsignals, such as bluetooth low energy signals (BLE)) that is coupledwith the unattended machine 1520. The pulse-providing device 1520advertises an authorization code (3102) and the application 140 receivesthe advertised broadcast from the pulse-providing device 1520. Theapplication 140 then requests authorization from the server 130 (3104).In some implementations, the server 130 creates an authorization grantusing a default pricing option for the machine, encrypts theauthorization grant, and transmits it to the mobile device (3106).Authorization requests and the creation of authorization grants areexplained in detail above and, in particular, in reference to FIGS.8A-8G.

The user at this time can chose to either send a payment amount thatcorresponds to the default pricing option to the pulse-providing device1520, or alternatively, select from another pricing option (3108) thatwas received from the server. In some implementations, the application140 executing on the mobile device 150 also displays a user interfacethat allows for selecting from the pricing options received from theserver (an example user interface is shown in FIG. 32).

The user, for example, may select a third option that is displayedwithin the user interface (e.g., the option for “4 credit: $1.00,”pictured in FIG. 33). The application 140 then causes the mobile device150 to send a new authorization request to the server this timeaccompanied by the index value 3 (3110). Upon receiving theauthorization request, the server determines the value of the pricingoption with index 3 for that particular machine, creates a newauthorization grant, and sends that to the mobile device (3112).

In some implementations, payment is then sent to the unattended machine1520 after satisfaction of a trigger condition (3114) (e.g., aproximity-based trigger condition based on proximity of the mobiledevice 150 to the pulse-providing device 1520 or a user-input-basedtrigger condition that is based on user input (such as a swipe gesture)that is received within the application 140). In some implementations,the authorization grant that is sent to the payment module (3116)includes pricing for the amount of the pricing referenced by index value3.

Additionally, the authorization grant also includes information for thenumber of pulses (and, in some instances, characteristics of the pulses,such as pulse width that are explained above) that the pulse-providingdevice 1520 should send to the unattended machine 1520. Thepulse-providing device 1520 decrypts the authorization grant andretrieves the information for the number of pulses to provide and thenprovides pulses to the unattended machine in accordance with theretrieved information (3118). The user is then able to interact with theunattended machine (e.g., to have as many plays at a video game consoleas the user paid for, to be able to use a coin-operated laundry machinea number of times based on payment provided by the user, and the likebased on the type of unattended machine 1520).

In order to ensure that the user's account is debited properly, theprocess 3100 also includes sending transaction completion informationand uploading that information to the server 130 (3122-3124). Detailsregarding the processing and sending of transaction completioninformation (also referred to as operation information) are providedabove in reference to operations 1616-1620 of FIG. 29B.

In some implementations, a data structure is utilized that decouples thepricing and pulses to create a variety of pricing options. Morespecifically, a pricing table as follows can be possible: 25 cents=1pulse=1 credit; 50 cents=2 pulses=2 credits; 1.00=5 pulses=5 credits;and 2.00=12 pulses=12 credit.

In some implementations, the mobile device 150 and the application 140are not trusted to tell the unattended machine how many credits it is toreceive. These components are also not trusted to determine the amountof credits. In some implementations, all that information is insteadconfigured at the server 130. The user has access to information aboutthe pricing matrix including number of credits (as presented in a userinterface shown in the application 140, such as that shown in FIG. 32),and while it appears to user that the selection is being made at themobile app, in some implementations the user is simply selecting anindex value. In some implementations, the index value is sent to theserver 130 where it looks up the pricing and credits, encrypts thedetails, and sends back to the application 140 (e.g., as anauthorization grant) with an encryption key that can only be read by theparticular pulse-providing device 1520 that is coupled with thatparticular unattended machine (for which the authorization grant wasgenerated).

In some implementations, authorizations for all pricing options can besent down to the application (from the server 130) at the time of theoriginal authorization request (e.g., at the time when the requestedauthorization for a default authorization grant is received by theserver 130, such as 3104 in FIG. 31). In some implementations, when anindex value is subsequently selected via a user interface that isprovided to the user within the application 140 (e.g., that shown inFIG. 32), an appropriate indexed authorization grant is then sent to thepulse-providing device 1520. In some implementations, all authorizationgrants have the same authorization code, so once an authorization grantwith the same authorization code is sent to the pulse-providing device1520, the remaining authorization grants are invalidated since thepulse-providing device 1520 will accept only one authorization grantwith the same authorization code (as explained in detail above inreference to FIGS. 8A-8G).

In some implementations, the amount and number of pulses are dissociatedand be in any number independent of the value of pulse.

In some implementations, pulse lengths (widths) can be different foreach credit amount, and the pulses can be in an array (for example whensending three pulses in one swipe: first pulse is 10 ms, second is 50ms, third is 10 ms).

In some implementations, when there is an entire machine offer, instantauthorization can be provided to a user (e.g., after receiving anauthorization request from a mobile device) and an appropriateauthorization grant can be sent to the unattended machine 1500 (via themobile device and the pulse-providing device) without requiring the userto pay first (have a balance).

In this way and by using the process 3100, various pricing options canbe selected by a user without creating a trusted relationship betweenthe application 140, the user, and the pulse-providing device 1520. Theuser cannot make a free-form input in number of credits (these arepredefined at the server 130) and the user is simply selecting indexvalues that are then interpreted by the server 130 in order to then sendcredit/pulsing data that is associated with the selected index value tothe pulse-providing device (i.e., the mobile device 150 is merely usedas a communication medium to route the credit/pulsing data from theserver 130 to the pulse-providing device 1520).

FIG. 32 illustrates an example of a user interface on a mobile devicethat is used for selecting one of the remotely configured options forthe unattended machine, in accordance with some implementations.

As shown in FIG. 32, in some implementations, the user interfaceincludes a number of pricing options for the unattended machine. Asexplained above in reference to FIG. 31, the pricing options arereceived from a server 130 in response to an authorization request froma user of the mobile device 150. In some implementations, the pricingoptions are configured by an operator of the unattended machine via aweb-based interface (so that the operator does not need to be inphysical proximity to the unattended machine in order to create and makeavailable new pricing options for the unattended machine). As alsoexplained above, the user interface provides no details regardingelectric pulses that will be provided to the unattended machine afterthe user selects one of the pricing options.

In some implementations, the user interfaces is a machine-specific card(e.g., machine-specific card 3202) that also includes details regardingspecial promotions or offers for the unattended machine (e.g., as shownin FIG. 32, there is an available offer of “Buy 7 get 1 FREE”). Afterthe user selects the available offer, the user is able to providepayment equivalent to 7 coin-operated credits, but will receive 8 playsinstead of just 7. This is because, the server 130 stores informationindicating that 8 pulses are to be provided to the unattended machine(via the pulse-providing device 1520) in response to the receipt ofpayment equivalent to 7 coin-operated credits.

In some implementations, the available offer that is highlighted isselected for inclusion on the front of the machine-specific card by theoperator and additional offers are also available by flipping over themachine-specific card. Flipping over the machine-specific card isperformed in response to a user selection of the “special offers” taband the back of the machine-specific card is then revealed showing oneor more additional offers for the unattended machine.

In some implementations, the user interface also includes a label forthe unattended machine that is being interacted with (e.g., a label of“Street Fighter” is shown in a top portion of the user interface, FIG.32). In some implementations, the user interface also includes arepresentation of the unattended machine (e.g., a photo of theunattended machine that is taken by an operator and then uploaded to theserver 130 for subsequent presentation to users via the application140).

As also shown in FIG. 32, portions of machine-specific cards for otherunattended machines are also illustrated (e.g., machine-specific cards3204 and 3206). Swiping in a lateral direction over the machine-specificcard allows the user to access machine-specific cards for the otherunattended machines. After accessing a new machine-specific card for oneof the other unattended machines, then authorization requests are thensubmitted to the server 130 in order to receive available pricingoptions and authorization grants that correspond to the availablepricing options for these other unattended machines (as explained aboveregarding process 3100, FIG. 31). In some implementations, defaultauthorization grants for each of the other unattended machines arereceived before the user swipes in the appropriate lateral direction (inthis way, the default pricing information is pre-loaded and specificpricing data for other indexes can be later obtained if the user selectsone of the other indexes for the other unattended machines).

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of a method of determining electric pulses toprovide to an unattended machine based on remotely configured optionsfor the unattended machine, in accordance with some implementations. Forconvenience, the method 3300 is described below as performed by anapplication (e.g., the application 140 described above) that isexecuting on a mobile device (e.g., the mobile device 150 describedabove).

The method 3300 allows for determining electric pulses to provide to anunattended machine based on remotely-configured options for theunattended machine. As explained above, unattended machines cannotaccept real-time or configurable pricing options because they arehard-wired to accept only specific coins at specific credit values. Byretro-fitting an unattended machine with a pulse-providing device 1520(described above), operators of unattended machines are able toestablish new pricing options and make those available to users via theapplication 140. In this way, by implementing method 3300, thefunctioning of unattended machines is improved, user experiences at theunattended machines is improved, and operators can open up new revenuestreams.

As shown in FIG. 33, the method 3300 begins when the application detects(3302), based on a broadcast received from a pulse-providing device thatis coupled with the unattended machine, presence of the unattendedmachine in proximity to a mobile device. For example, the broadcast is abluetooth low energy (BLE) transmission sent by the pulse-providingdevice and that transmission includes an authentication code (discussedin detail about in reference to FIGS. 8A-8G.

After detecting the presence of the unattended machine, the applicationreceives (3304), from a server (e.g., server 130 described above),information about a first set of remotely-configured options forinteracting with the unattended machine. In some implementations, theserver 130 is not capable of communicating directly with the unattendedmachine, because the unattended machine does not have a networkconnection.

In some implementations, the remotely-configured options are pricingoptions. In some implementations, the remotely-configured options arepricing options that are determined according to a predefined pricingschedule. In some implementations, the predefined pricing schedule isdetermined based on a current time of day at the server (in this way,time of day or timezone information received or communicated via themobile device is not trusted and only such timing information from theserver 130 is utilized, in order to avoid or mitigate potentialmalicious behavior). In some implementations, the remotely-configuredoptions are configured by an operator of the unattended machine withoutrequiring any physical interactions with the unattended machine (e.g.,the operator need only configure options through the server, such as viaa web-based interface and need not physically change any operation orinterface of the unattended machine).

In some implementations, the remotely-configured options are distinctfrom those pricing options that are available via mechanical interactionwith the unattended machine (via insertion of coins into the unattendedmachine). For example, an operator can establish 2-for-1 deals,time-based deals (discounts for using the machine after, before, orduring a certain time of day), loyalty deals (discounts for using theunattended machine on multiple days in a row), deals based on lastactivity (discounts for returning to use an unattended machine that hasnot been used for more than a predetermined inactivity period), and thelike and these options are not available unless a user interacts withthe unattended machine via the application 140 and the pulse-providingdevice 1520 (because these options must be dynamically conveyed to theunattended machine through communications with the server 130, asexplained herein).

In response to receiving the information about the first set ofremotely-configured options, the application displays (3306), within theapplication while it is executing on the mobile device, user interfaceobjects that allow for selection of respective options in the first setof remotely-configured options. An example user interface is shown inFIG. 32 (and described above in reference to FIGS. 31 and 32).

The application also detects (3308) a selection of a first userinterface object that corresponds to a first option in the first set ofremotely-configured options. After (or in response to) detecting theselection of the first user interface object, the application receives(3310), from the server, information that includes an authorizationgrant for the first option at the unattended machine, wherein theinformation includes specifications regarding electric pulses to beprovided to the unattended machine by the pulse-providing device inaccordance with the first option. In accordance with a determinationthat a trigger condition has been satisfied, the applicant sends (3312)the information that includes the authorization grant and thespecifications to the pulse-providing device. After sending theauthorization grant and the pulse information to the pulse-providingdevice, the application receives (3314) an indication (such as atransaction completion or operation information, as explained above inreference to FIG. 31), from the pulse-providing device, that theelectric pulses were provided to the unattended machine according to thespecifications.

In some implementations, the application receives an indication from theserver that the remotely-configured options are no longer current. Forexample, the server compares a first hash value that is associated withthe remotely-configured options (such as the first set) to a second hashvalue that is associated with the most current remotely-configuredoptions available at the server. If the hash values do not match, thenthe server sends (to the application 140), the indication. In responseto receiving the indication from the server, the application receives anupdated set of remotely-configured pricing options that is distinct fromthe first set of remotely-configured pricing options. In someimplementations, any payment that was sent by the user to the unattendedmachine based on the first set of remotely-configured options (nowout-of-date) is canceled and the user is provided with user interfaceobjects that allow for selection of a new option that is now providedvia the updated set of remotely-configured options.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the operations ofmethod 3300 may be re-arranged, replaced, or modified based on theoperations of other methods described herein (e.g., methods 1600 and1700).

It should be noted that relative terms are meant to help in theunderstanding of the technology and are not meant to limit the scope ofthe invention. Similarly, unless specifically stated otherwise, theterms used for labels (e.g., “first,” “second,” and “third”) are meantsolely for purposes of designation and not for order or limitation. Theterm “short” in the phrase “short-range” (in addition to havingtechnology specific meanings) is relative to the term “long” in thephrase “long-range.”

The terms “may,” “might,” “can,” and “could” are used to indicatealternatives and optional features and only should be construed as alimitation if specifically included in the claims.

It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the term “or” isused in its nonexclusive form (e.g., “A or B” includes A, B, A and B, orany combination thereof, but it would not have to include all of thesepossibilities). It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified,“and/or” is used similarly (e.g., “A and/or B” includes A, B, A and B,or any combination thereof, but it would not have to include all ofthese possibilities). It should be noted that, unless otherwisespecified, the terms “includes” and “has” mean “comprises” (e.g., adevice that includes, has, or comprises A and B contains A and B, butoptionally may contain C or additional components other than A and B).It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” refer to one or more than one, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

It is to be understood that the inventions, examples, andimplementations described herein are not limited to particularlyexemplified materials, methods, and/or structures. It is to beunderstood that the inventions, examples, and implementations describedherein are to be considered preferred inventions, examples, andimplementations whether specifically identified as such or not.

The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoingspecification are used as terms of description and not of limitation,and are not intended to exclude equivalents of the features shown anddescribed. While the above is a complete description of selectedimplementations of the present invention, it is possible to practice theinvention using various alternatives, modifications, adaptations,variations, and/or combinations and their equivalents. It will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangementthat is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiment shown. It is also to be understood that thefollowing claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specificfeatures of the invention herein described and all statements of thescope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said tofall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of determining electric pulses to provide to an unattended machine based on remotely-configured options for the unattended machine, the method comprising: at an application executing on a mobile device: detecting, based on a broadcast received from a pulse-providing device that is coupled with the unattended machine, presence of the unattended machine in proximity to the mobile device; after detecting the presence of the unattended machine, receiving, from a server, first information about a first set of remotely-configured options for interacting with the unattended machine; in response to receiving the first information about the first set of remotely-configured options, displaying, in the application, user interface objects that allow for selection of respective options in the first set of remotely-configured options; detecting a selection of a first user interface object that corresponds to a first option in the first set of remotely-configured options; after detecting the selection of the first user interface object, receiving, from the server, second information that includes an authorization grant for the first option at the unattended machine, wherein the second information includes pulse information including specifications regarding electric pulses to be provided to the unattended machine by the pulse-providing device in accordance with the first option; in accordance with a determination that a trigger condition has been satisfied, sending the authorization grant and the pulse information to the pulse-providing device; and at the pulse-providing device coupled with the unattended machine: receiving the authorization grant and the pulse information; determining based on the received pulse information a first number of electrical pulses to output to a control unit of the unattended machine in order to initiate a cashless operation of the unattended machine, the first number of electrical pulses emulating an analog signal generated by a coin receiving switch of the unattended machine; causing the unattended machine to initiate the cashless operation by issuing the first number of electrical pulses to the control unit; and sending an indication, to the mobile device, that the electric pulses were provided to the unattended machine according to the specifications.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the remotely-configured options are pricing options.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the remotely-configured options are pricing options that are determined according to a predefined pricing schedule.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predefined pricing schedule is determined based on a current time of day at the server.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the remotely-configured options are configured by an operator of the unattended machine without requiring any physical interactions with the unattended machine.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, at the application executing on the mobile device: receiving a second indication from the server that the remotely-configured options are no longer current; and in response to receiving the second indication from the server, receiving an updated set of remotely-configured pricing options that is distinct from the first set of remotely-configured pricing options.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein a short-range transceiver of the mobile device receives the broadcast from the pulse-providing device.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a long-range wireless transceiver of the mobile device receives the first information about the first set of remotely-configured options for interacting with the unattended machine from the remote server.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a short-range wireless transceiver of the mobile device transmits the authorization grant and the pulse information to the pulse-providing device.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a short-range wireless transceiver of the mobile device receives the indication from the pulse-providing device.
 11. A system comprising: a mobile device including: a display; one or more processors; memory; and one or more programs including an application executed on the mobile device, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for: detecting, based on a broadcast received from a pulse-providing device that is coupled with the unattended machine, presence of the unattended machine in proximity to the mobile device; after detecting the presence of the unattended machine, receiving, from a server, first information about a first set of remotely-configured options for interacting with the unattended machine; in response to receiving the first information about the first set of remotely-configured options, displaying, in the application, user interface objects that allow for selection of respective options in the first set of remotely-configured options; detecting a selection of a first user interface object that corresponds to a first option in the first set of remotely-configured options; after detecting the selection of the first user interface object, receiving, from the server, second information that includes an authorization grant for the first option at the unattended machine, wherein the second information includes pulse information including specifications regarding electric pulses to be provided to the unattended machine by the pulse-providing device in accordance with the first option; in accordance with a determination that a trigger condition has been satisfied, sending the authorization grant and the pulse information to the pulse-providing device; and wherein the pulse-providing device includes one or more processors and memory with one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for: receiving the authorization grant and the pulse information; determining based on the received pulse information a first number of electrical pulses to output to a control unit of the unattended machine in order to initiate a cashless operation of the unattended machine, the first number of electrical pulses emulating an analog signal generated by a coin receiving switch of the unattended machine; causing the unattended machine to initiate the cashless operation by issuing the first number of electrical pulses to the control unit; and sending an indication, to the mobile device, that the electric pulses were provided to the unattended machine according to the specifications.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the remotely-configured options are pricing options.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the remotely-configured options are pricing options that are determined according to a predefined pricing schedule.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the predefined pricing schedule is determined based on a current time of day at the server.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the remotely-configured options are configured by an operator of the unattended machine without requiring any physical interactions with the unattended machine.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more programs of the mobile device further include instructions for: receiving a second indication from the server that the remotely-configured options are no longer current; and in response to receiving the second indication from the server, receiving an updated set of remotely-configured pricing options that is distinct from the first set of remotely-configured pricing options.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the mobile device includes a short-range transceiver configured to receive the broadcast from the pulse-providing device.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the mobile device includes a long-range transceiver configured to receive the first information about the first set of remotely-configured options for interacting with the unattended machine from the remote server.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the mobile device includes a short-range transceiver configured to transmit the authorization grant and the pulse information to the pulse-providing device.
 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the mobile device includes a short-range transceiver configured to receive the indication from the pulse-providing device. 